Insurers: Is Someone Eating a Salad-or Just Searching Your Microfilm? by Jeff Picozzi

Nothing lasts forever-least of all acetate microfilm. As this material disintegrates, it releases a pungent, vinegary smell. Unfortunately, by the time the odor begins, the reel has lost its information.

Once the microfilm industry determined the format's ill effects in the 1980s, those making microfilms switched to polyester and other more durable film stock materials.

If you have acetate microfilms of legacy insurance records that date from when polyester was still a viable fashion element, those films are quite likely unviewable. As an insurer, you know how devastating the loss of this information can be, especially given the business continuity, preservation and regulatory requirements you must meet.

How Can You Fight Proof Decay?

If your records are starting to smell sour, a trusted partner can identify problem films, gauge the severity of their deterioration and recommend next steps.

Microfilm-specific storage. Acetate-based microfilm fares best in cold, dry conditions, so look for a partner with storage facilities featuring temperature and humidity controls. A knowledgeable partner will be able to separate films already showing signs of vinegar syndrome from healthy films to prevent cross-contamination.

Protection against power failures. Carefully calibrated thermostats are only good if the power is on. A reputable partner will have multiple generators at each site to avoid any discontinuities in the environmental protection of your film.

Anti-moisture treatments. Even before you migrate your microfilms, you should use silica gel or impregnated charcoal to absorb moisture and acid, as well as any airborne impurities generated by the film, to slow deterioration. However, this measure is only a stopgap while you explore longer-term solutions.

Conversion to decay-proof media. The surest way to extend the life of vital insurance records stored on acetate microfilm is to have a trusted partner duplicate them to polyester-based microfilm or digital media. Just remember that if vinegar syndrome has already taken hold, duplication will be your only hope for saving your information.

Keep the Focus on Your Business

As an insurer, you understand risk better than most-how to measure, manage and minimize it, and how to protect against catastrophic loss. That expertise will stand your company in good stead as you address the unique and unsavory threat of vinegar syndrome.

LINK:	http://blogs.ironmountain.com/2015/industry/financial-services/insurer...
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