Hobbies And Interests
Pests
Many insects see paper as a source of food. Silverfish are common culprits in book devouring. The larvae of a number of insects, commonly referred to as bookworms, eat paper. Mice and rats are known to chew anything, even paper. In addition to chewing, rodents can defecate on paper, causing staining and rotting.
Pollution and Mold
The ozone and fumes emitted by copy machines and printers have been known to damage paper over time. Paper documents should also be dusted regularly. Dust particles can work their way into the fibers of paper, causing staining. Also check for mold periodically, as it can ruin entire collections if it spreads.
Humidity and Temperature
Paper is like wood in that it should never be too dry or too moist. Moisture invites the growth of molds, and dry paper is prone to discoloration and cracking. If the humidity is bad enough, paper can begin to suffer water damage such as curling and shrinkage.
Lighting
Paper is sensitive to the effects of both ultraviolet and visible light. The pigments in inks are susceptible to fading when exposed to light for prolonged periods. The effects of UV light are more subtle, causing chemical deterioration of the paper, breaking apart the fibers that hold it together.
Ideal Conditions
Ideally, paper should be stored in a dark, humidity-controlled environment removed from electronic equipment. Consider special display cases for any collection. An airtight case can deter insects and rodents.