Vinegar syndrome

[4] It has also been observed to affect older magnetic tape, where cellulose acetate is used as a base, as well as polarizers used in liquid-crystal display units and everyday plastics such as containers and tableware.

[3][4] The first instance of cellulose triacetate degradation was reported to the Eastman Kodak Company within a decade of its introduction in 1948.

[9] In acetate film, acetyl (CH3CO) groups are attached to long molecular chains of cellulose.

[10] While the acid is initially released inside the plastic, it gradually diffuses to the surface, causing a characteristic vinegary smell.

The decay process follows this pattern: A testing product developed by the Image Permanence Institute, A-D, or "acid-detection" indicator strips change color from blue through shades of green to yellow with increasing exposure to acid.