BLEMISHES ON NEGATIVE MICROFILM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP74-00390R000100060007-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 27
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 16, 2009
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: July 9, 1965
• Content Type: MEMO

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G NI RAL S `/1?tIS ADM;MISThATiOR9
WASHINGTON, D. C. M=
GSA BULLETIN FPMR NO. B-2
ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
'11. Purpose. This bulletin contains information to aid in preventing
the possible loss of important data caused by blemishes on negative
microfilm.
2. Background. Heads of Federal agencies were notified of the dis-
covery of blemishes on processed microfilm negatives by General
Services Administration Circular No. 326, January 21, 1964. Since
that time, the National Bureau of Standards has conducted a study to
determine the cause of these defects and to aid in establishing pre-
ventive measures. Their published report (Technical Note 261, Sum-
mary of. Current Research on Archival Microfilm, April 16, 1965)
offers guidelines to be followed in processing, handling; and storing
of microfilm to prevent possible formation of blemishes. The National
Bureau of Standards has not made final recommendations so GSA has
not issued new microfilming standards.
3. Interim practice concerning the microfilming of permanent records.
Until further notice, General Services Administration will not approve
the disposal of records of permanent archival value based on the retention
of a microfilm copy of the originals. Existing authority for disposal
will not be rescinded, but it is suggested that agencies follow the recom-
mendations in paragraph 4, below.
4. Suggested agency action. Pending the issuance of new microfilm
standards, agencies are urged to have positive copies made of existing
collections of negative microfilm appraised by the National Archives
as having permanent value. Agencies should also consider making
positive copies of existing collections of negative microfilm of vital
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records scheduled for long-term retention or indefinite storage. The
making of positive copies of the negative microfilm should also be
considered for current projects.
5. Expiration date. This bulletin expires June 30, 1966.
LAWSON B. K1 TT, JR
Administrator of General Services
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FOR N0. 1)12-7 Use previous editions
GPO : 1968 0 - 297-542 (40) _
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S
 A series
will be held
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The dates and top
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'ANSI STANDARD FOR THE
ABREVIATION OF PERIODICAL TITLE,
recommendations
serial publica'ions
graphs and conf
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specific
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ity i
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jointly by.NBS
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pies of the standard, 4esignatec
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R/ALA PLAN FOR PREP1ACIL C!NG
OI\CORE COLLEGE BOOK COLLECTION
Th
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the basis fo
library progr
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acquired, process
with a catalog so
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be included
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NBS FINDINGS ON PREVENTION OT
MICROFILM BLEMISHES
(NBS) Institute for Basic Standards
study'reveals that gases evolved from
paper and paper-lined storage cartons
are responsible for the formation of
blemishe's on processed microfilm. Dis-
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`placement of image silver has keen pin-
to an oxidation reduction re-
action caused by peroxide and other
gases. The study, by C.S. 'McCamy and
C.I. Pope of the NBS Institute for i
13asic Standards, has also indicated
that simple precautionary measures ~iay
betaken to eliminate "redox" blemish-
ing
The-formation of spots or blemishes
on processed microfilm was cause for,
alarm amcng film manufacturers, archi-
vists, Government agencies, etc. Th'
extent of the concern is reflected b
the number of agencies that sponsore
the research t
o solve the pblm
roe:
the National Archives and Records
Service, the Library of Congress; th
Social Security Administrationthe
Navy Bureau of Weapons, and the Adju:ant
G
'
eneral
s Offif th D
ce oeepartment o
the Army. In addition, the?Natio,nal
Microfilm Association solicited and
secured financial support from the
Bell and Howell Company, E. I. duPon
de Nemours and Company, Dynacolor,'
Corporation, IBM Corporation, Minn--
sota Mining and Manufacturing Compan
?Recordak Corporation, University
Microfild X
ms, anerox Corporation
When it became apparent that blemilsh
formation was a widespread problem, a,
field survey was conducted in which 100
trained inspectors examined over 7400
roles of microfilm in different Gover}i-
ment agencies. More than 370,000 ob-
servations were recorded and then star
tistically analyzed at NBS. Among the
findings of the.. survey were: blemishes
existed--in 6 different types; blemish
formation was more severe in humid
storage areas; films stored in metal
containers were practically blemish
free; films stored in air-conditioned!
1. Use safety base permanent record
film as specified in the ANSI (ior;e rly
USASI) specifications for photographic
films for permanent records.
2. Use no higher densities than arc
required for the intended purposes and
use dark characters on a light back-
ground if this is feasible.
3. Residual thiosulfate concentra-
tion should not exceed 1 microgram per
square centimeter, but should be greater
than zero. The optimum concentration
appears to be about 0.5 microgram per
square centimeter in a clear area.
4. Keep processing machinery and
film clean'.
5. `Avoid scratching film.
6. Store films in containers made
of inert materials, such as metals or
plastics of proven quality. With good
ventilation and clean air, the con-
tainers need not be sealed.
to
ty
7. Do not permit storage temperature
exceed 70?F nor the relative humidi-
to exceed 40 percent.
8. Avoid wide-range cycling of tem-
perature and humidity, since this ac-
celerates the imbibition of gaseous
contaminants.
D- P AND DA VI TO PP OPOSE STAND
FUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT
areas were less prone to blemish; and; The L.ib
when there were no leaders on the,fill of the Americ
___~
rolls, blemish formation was 2 to 3 signed an agreem
_.%
times as severe as when film rolls had of?Audiovisual Ins
leaders of approximately 1.5 meters. affiliate of the
These factors tended to confi4m the Association, t
r
duct
r_ . .
theory to a+'
----' --_ -,
p
o
s
f
paper storage cartons were responsible standards
for blemish formation. Standar
Results of the study have. indicated
several precautionary measures that may
be taken to prevent blemish formation:
player
je
'rogram (LTP)
ssociation
h the Department
ction (DAVI), an
jointl
sponsor and
afting of
audiovisual
quipment.
will be sought fo
tape recorders and
16mm motion picture sou
ors, and. filmstrip and comb'
mstrip(slide projectors.
ci pro-
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ayback
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ev
ew o
roposed USA
Appendix C
Microscopic Blemishes
Some processed negative microfilms on cellulose ester
base in storage for two to twenty years have developed
microscopically small colored spots or blemishes. These
spots wergfirst discovered in 1961. The fogged leader at the
outside of'the roll is more frequently affected by the blem-
ishes, which are generally red or yellow in color and are
smaller in size than the image characters (for example, a
typewritten cipher reduced 20X) on the microfilm. On
occasion, these spots are observed further into the roll and
appear in image areas. Evidence to date- indicates that nega-
tive microfilms on polyester base are neither more nor less
susceptible to microscopic blemishes than microfilms on
cellulose ester base. A more detailed description of the
blemishes and of the techniques used in inspecting micro-
film is given in National Bureau of Standards Handbook
96.(14)
The snots are believed to be caused by the oxidation of
the image ilver and the migration of the silver ion to local-
areas. The color may be due to colloidal silver. 10,15)
Oxidizing agents which can cause image degradation are
aerial oxygen, whose action on the film is strongly acceler-
ated by moisture, and atmospheric contaminants, such as
peroxides, ozone,. sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and
nitrogen oxides, all occurritg in industrial atmospheres.
Perox ides may be present in some varieties of wood and may
,also be formed as the result of aging o paper inserts etc..,ad
films this is not quite as good in all respects or under all
conditions as is the case with cellulose ester-type bases. The
extreme chemical inertness of this new film base makes the
problem of adhesion much more difficult. Of importance is
the effect of very low relative humidities which cause the
gelatin photographic and backing layers to contract and im-
pose severe stresses on the gelatin adhesion. Cycling relative
humidities from moderate to very low cause alternate ex-
pansion and contraction of the gelatin layers which can be
particularly severe on the adhesive bond. The magnitude of
this stress on the bond is very dependent on the thickness
and physical characteristics of the gelatin layers which differ
with each type of film.
Under extreme conditions of elevated temperature and
low or cycling relative humidities, gelatin photographic
layers and backing layers on polyester base sometimes de-
velop adhesion defects, such as slight edge peeling, flaking,
emulsion cracking, etc., while similar layers on cellulose
ester base under the same conditions do not exhibit these
defects or do so to a lesser degree. For this reason the
relative humidity is extremely important for permanent
record storage. The recommended environmental conditions
for archival storage are temperatures less than 70 F and a
relative humidity between 30 and 50% RH. It is essential
that polyester base films for permanent records not only
meet the requirements of this specification, but that they
are stored under proper storage conditions. These are spec-
if ied in pertinent USA standards.
cardboard containers commonly used in storing film. The
latter appear as a likely source of oxidants associated with
blemish ormation.
The conditions under which microfilm is processed have
been found to play a role in the development of the blem-
ishes when the film has been improperly stored in a humid
atmosphere. Good processing techniques are essential so that
the film emerges from the process free of water and chemical
spots, dirt, dust, scratches, and other blemishes. Washing
procedures should provide uniform removal of the thiosul-
fate and the associated silver compounds. Drying should be
uniform and extremes of temperature should be avoided. A
small quantity of potassium iodide in the fixing bath com-
bined with proper storage conditions; has been found to
provide some protection against these blemishes in micro
film.lll)
It must be emphasized that the conditions under which
microfilm is stored play a vital role in the development of
these defects Storage in cool, dryair that is free of oxidizing
gases or vapors is important. Storage in metal cans rather
than with paper or in cardboard cartons, which produce per-
oxides with age, is recommended.
A protective gold treatment provides a high degree of pro-
tection against microscopic blemishes and may be applied
either as a part of the photographic processing procedure or
as a post-processing treatment.l12,t3)
Appendix D
-~, Emulsion Adhesion
One property of film on polyethylene terephthalate)
base which requires consideration is that of the adhesion of
the photographic and backing layers to this' base. For some.
REFERENCES
(These references are not a part of USA Standard Specifi-
cation for Silver-Gelatin Type Photographic Films on Poly-
ester Base for Archival Records, PH1.41-196x.)
(1) Adelstein, P. Z. and McCrea, J. L. Permanence of
Processed Estar Polyester Base Photographic Films.
Photographic Science and Engineering, 9 (September,
1965), 305-313.
(2) Anderson, D. H. and Woodall, N. B. Infrared Identifi-
cation of Materials in the Fractional Milligram Range.
Analytical Chemistry, 25 (December, 1953), 1906-
1909. _
(3) Carr, D. S. and Harris, B. L. Solutions for Maintaining
Constant Relative Humidity. Journal of Industrial
Engineering Chemistry, 41, (September, 1949), 2014-
2015.
(4) 'iprabtree, J. I., Eaton, G. T., and Muehler, L. E. The
Removal of Hypo and Silver Salts from Photographic
Materials as Affected by the Composition of the Pro-
cessing Solutions. Journal of- the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, 41, (July, 1943), 9-68.
(5) Crabtree, J. I and Henn, R. W. Increasing the Washing
Rate of Motion-Picture Films with Salt Solutions.
Journal of the Society of 'Motion Picture and Tele-
vision Engineers, 65, (July, 1956), 378-381.
(6) Evans, G. H. Testing Aerial Photographic Negatives
for Residual Sodium Thiosulfate. Photogrammetric .
Engineering, 8, (1942), 121-128.
(7) ' Centa, J. M. Performance Characteristics of Cronar
Polyester Photographic Film Base. Photogrammetric
Engineering:-2j t tel'tlber, 19651, 539-542.
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Standard for Archival Film 141
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L
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
National Archives and Records Service
Washington, D.C. 20408
January 3, 1969 i
IN RCF1.V RCFCR 70h
Mr. R. L. Bannerman
Deputy Director for Support
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Thank you for your letter of December 16 asking about the status of the
research program to determine the causes of microfilm blemishes.
Since our last progress report, the National Bureau of Standards has
completed its research and prepared a preliminary report of findings
and recomendations. On the basis of this report, the United States
of America Standards Institute has drafted proposed standards for
processing and storing archival microfilm so as to prevent the
blemishes. We anticipate that USASI will publish the standards in
about a year.
To enable agencies to undertake new microfilming programs, we are
developing GSA standards for archival microfilm which will permit the
disposal of permanent records. Unless legal or technical difficulties
arise, the yederal Property Management Regulations concerning standards
for archival microfilm should be available by March 1969.
If you need more information please contact Mr. Herbert E. Angel, Deputy
Archivist of the United States, telephone code 13, extension 33435.
Sincerely,
'f Voe
C~Ir n ^
JAMES B. RHOADS
Archivist of the United States
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