Which humidity ranges are associated with issues in film handling?

• A. Below 40% static marks; above 60% sticky and difficult to handle
• B. Below 60% static marks; above 40% sticky and easy to handle
• C. Below 20% static marks; above 80% no effect
• D. Below 50% static marks; above 70% fogging occurs

Answer: (A)

Humidity controls two common film-handling problems: static electricity and surface tackiness. When relative humidity is too low, static charges build up as the film is moved, which shows up as static marks on the film. When humidity is too high, moisture makes the film surface sticky, causing it to cling to itself and to handling surfaces, making it hard to separate and handle without tearing. The ranges described—low humidity leading to static marks and high humidity causing stickiness—capture these effects, which is why that choice is the best fit. In practice, keeping humidity in a moderate range (roughly around 40–60%) helps minimize both issues.