What temperature range is recommended for storing photographic material?

• A. Less than 75 F
• B. 60-70 F
• C. 40-50 F
• D. 100 F

Answer: (B)

Photographic materials age mainly due to heat; higher temperatures speed chemical changes that cause fading, discoloration, and base deterioration. Storing them around 60-70°F provides a practical balance: it slows these aging processes without introducing problems that come from storing too cold or too warm. Keeping the environment stable in this cool, comfortable range (and at about 40-50% relative humidity) helps preserve image integrity over time. Storing at higher temperatures would accelerate deterioration, while very cold storage can lead to condensation and handling issues when moving materials between environments, making 60-70°F the best choice.