A survey on the procedures adopted in cinematographic archives for monitoring and mitigating Vinegar Syndrome

A key issue in cinematographic archives is preserving cellulose tri- and diacetate motion picture films (hereafter called, films) affected by "Vinegar Syndrome" (VS). This term commonly refers to the vinegar smell occurring when cellulose tri- and diacetate films are deteriorating. The chemical process involves the deacetylation of the film support caused by the reaction of water with a bound acetyl group, resulting in hydroxyl substitution and production of acetic acid. This reaction can be initially triggered by specific microclimate conditions. Once triggered, the process is autocatalytic, meaning it cannot be stopped or reversed. Consequently, the acetic acid released by a VS-affected film can more rapidly induce deacetylation in other films. Consultative surveys can be a mainstay for leading to a comprehensive understanding of current practices and exploring new strategies. The ensemble of information gathered from surveys is pivotal to highlight current challenges and identify potential improvements. For this reason, a survey was designed to target film archivists and conservators who work with cellulose acetate films. The online survey was conducted from December 5th, 2023, until January 15th, 2024, targeting members of the Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) and the email list of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). It included 16 quantitative and qualitative questions (both open and close) to gather statistics and detailed information on: a) the amount of collection affected by VS; b) devices and procedures used for monitoring the level of VS; c) strategies for mitigation and recovery of films in good conservation state as well as for disposal of films with severe VS. A total of 96 individuals responded to the survey, mostly belonging to public and private organisations, worldwide distributed. Less than 30% of respondents’ collections were estimated being VS-affected by most respondents. The most used devices for monitoring the level of VS were dye-coated paper strips, that change colour according to the amount of acetic acid released by the film. However, there is no unique strategy to test collections for VS, nor a fixed frequency for testing as it can be performed once a year, every 6-10 years or never. There was greater agreement among respondents on the use of ventilated cans and/or cold storage to mitigate VS affecting films. However, only 54% of respondents affirmed to isolate films in special vaults; the others complained about a lack of space and/or budget. In the case of films with severe VS, there is no unique policy for the recovery, as it is evaluated case by case according to the availability of other copies, curatorial interest, and item’s uniqueness. By gathering and analysing data from experts and insiders in the field, it is possible to highlight areas in need of improvement and promote collaborative efforts to preserve these invaluable cultural treasures for future generations.