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In 2011, President Barak Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act, making it one of the most significant food safety laws in over seven decades. The law shifted the focus from responding to food contamination incidents to proactively preventing them. Food safety is a vital consideration during harvesting, manufacturing, and packaging processes. An element of equal importance is the quality of storage conditions in regard to transportation. With so many modes of transportation carrying foods with different refrigeration requirements, temporary climate control is essential to preventing dangerous contamination.

Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when a material reacts to its environment. While some associate the term with the deterioration of metals, it also occurs with ceramics, polymers, and composite-mechanical mixtures. Understanding the basics of this phenomenon allows you to take steps to ensure your corrosion control efforts are more effective.

Corrosion is more than an eyesore. Its effects compromise the integrity of metals, polymers and ceramics, and has a staggering impact on worldwide economy. Since the mid-20th century, countries around the globe have studied the economic costs of corrosion, concluding that its effects significantly affect society. These studies reveal the financial importance of corrosion control using techniques such as surface preparation and coating.

In 2015, a leaky roof and faulty HVAC system at the Mark Twain House & Museum led to a mold infestation that affected at least 5,000 artifacts, including first editions of the famous author’s books, translations and other documents of interest. The institution was not alone with its condensation control problems. In 2016, the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon closed its doors when it discovered mold.

Keeping your archives or stored documents in a temperature-controlled environment is a great first step toward protecting them from the harsh effects of the elements outdoors. If your area experiences seasonal changes or high humidity levels, an HVAC system might not be enough in regards to moisture and condensation control. Regardless of the environment in which you store documents—including files, books, photos and films—planning for seasonal humidity now helps prevent the need for mold remediation services in the future.