Video tape cases may leak toxic chemicals!

Some of you might recall the interview with the Corporate Environment Controller at Sveriges Television (FIAT/IFTA Newsletter 4/98) on Audiovisuals Archives as an environmental problem. The article discussed what happens with the tapes after transfer of collections of obsolete format tapes like 2 inch, when we know the tape contains large quantities of environmental hazardous PVC and flame-retardants.

Tapes has proved to be not the only environmental problem in videotape handling. Gert Ahlberg, manager of the videotape storage at Sveriges Television Post-production reports about a white powder that derives from some 1 inch videotape cases manufactured in the 80ies.

According to a message from the BASF/EMTEC in Germany, Gert Ahlberg says, their chemists have confirmed that this white powder is Halogen, a toxic flame-retardant used in the cases. They recommend using protective gloves when handling these cases and also wash hands carefully if having handled them bare-handed.

The BASF/EMTECH chemists emphasizes that this white powder is not the same kind that derives from the tape. That powder is part of the binder of the tape and nontoxic.

Lasse Nilsson Production Manager,
SVT Tevearkivet (lasse.nilsson@svt.se)

*Note: See also: Stellan Norrlander,
" The white powder - a deadly threat to video tapes in archives",
Minutes....FIAT/IFTA Congress.... Geneva 1992, pp 147-148.