Common Terms You Should Know

• ACID – Acids cause paper to weaken and deteriorate. Over time acid can eat away at your photos causing them to go brown and brittle and eventually crumble. The pH scale is the standard measurement of acidity and alkalinity. pH 1 to 6 is acidic, pH neutral is 7, pH 8 to 14 is alkalinity.
• ACID FREE – Items that have a pH factor of 7 or higher.

• ACID MIGRATION - This is the transfer of acid from one item to another. An acid free item can eventually become acidic if it has contact with acidic items. If you are putting an acidic item in your Scrapbook then make sure you encapsulate it in a photo safe paper or plastic pocket.
• LIGNIN – This is a naturally occurring organic substance found in wood fibres. It reacts with light and heat to produce acids, which causes paper to yellow and become brittle, and eventually crumble. A good example of this is an old newspaper.
• ARCHIVAL QUALITY – This is a non-technical term that suggests a product is permanent, durable or chemically stable and that it can be used safely for preservation purposes.