How to prevent yellowing of equipment on display

[Chuck Guzis]

On 20 Sep 2010 at 14:31, Michael Kerpan wrote:

> Frankly, that seems a bit much. Given that there are ways to reverse
> that yellowing if it occurs (google "retrobrite" for more info), I'd
> say that simply limiting exposure to UV is an adequate measure. If
> things happen anyway, at least you'll know it can be fixed.

There are a number of articles that have been published by 
conservators for museums that limiting UV exposure doesn't prevent 
the degradation of plastics.  

Indeed, it's a big headache now for museums and no one's come up with 
any satisfactory answer to the problem.  Cold storage at least slows 
the process.

I've had gear packed away (in the dark) for 20 years that was in good 
shape cosmetically but now is yellowed.  At no time did the stuff get 
any appreciable exposure to UV (or ozone, for that matter).  The 
forumulations used in some of the plastics are simply unstable.

Most notably, I had an old Apple color monitor stored in a black 
plastic wrap.  When I went to retrieve it, I found that several bits 
and pieces had spontaneously detached themselves from the unit--the 
plastic was so brittle you could break it right off with a minimum of 
force.

--Chuck