To Bag or Not to Bag ? That is the Question

[i.spring]

Hello guys.
I have a question that has been playing in my mind for some time.
I have a box of old photo slides.
They are over 60 years old in a old 60 year old wooden box.
My question is, I have this box rapped with a large black plastic bin bag to keep some of the air moisture out?
But now i am thinking, could there be chemicals in these big plastic bin bags that could harm my slides.
I would be very greatful for any advice.

Also one other question.
I have some more old photo slides in a transparent food box of soft lid.
I put them in there, since they are air tight as they are designed to keep food fresh.
Would these be ok?

I dont want to do any harm to my photos.
So your advice would be welcomed and acted apon very rapidly.
Many thanks.
Ian

[Paul R.]

As form a conservation point of view. I would advise you to get the slides, or photographs out of any plastic storage bag or food container. These items are not made for the long haul storage system. (please read the pinned article at the top of the conservation forum on plastic)
If the plastic is not archival it will damage you items. Why chance that? When you read the article you will see a large aray of plastic. All plastic is not safe. Not even for food unles it is marked as such.
Plastic traps a lot of moisture inside. If the slides are in a paper mounted frame around the slide it self it(the paper mounts attract moisture) If the slide is in a glass mount it's slightly better. The humidity, and heat plays a role in storage as well Humidity should be 43-45% year round heat is 65-68 degrees year round. There are several Archival compainies that sell good museum type storage systems that will not break the bank. They range from acid free boxes, to a bit fancy archival 3 ring binder(yes) with acid free pages, and archival type poly resin covers. All of these I use in the field of conservation. The choice is yours to do with and how you see fit. Educate your self first before you make a hasty choice. Also keep them away from sunlight. Paul