The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Comic Books

Have you ever walked by a storefront with a huge window display and noticed that all of the  merchandise and packaging seemed faded and washed out?

This occurred because the products had been exposed to direct sunlight and the ultraviolet radiation that is inherent to it.    It is very important that you store your comic books away from direct sunlight, or any other light source that may emit harmful rays, such as fluorescent light.

The best place to store your comic books in a cool, dry  and dark place such as a closet.  If no closet space is available, at the very least store your comic books  in a handy comic book long box, with the lid in place.  Most comic book storage boxes are made of card board, however, some retailers also carry plastic/ vinyl versions, which repel water/dampness.  While a little more costly, these vinyl comic book storage boxes provide even more protection.   Comic book storage boxes come in two sizes: The “long box” is usually around 28″ long and will hold approximately 200-225 comic books and the “short box” is usually around 16″ and will hold approximately 150-175 comic books.

Storing your Comic Books to Avoid Fungus and Mold

It is also very important to prevent the the growth of  fungus and mold on your comic books.   Be certain to store your comic books in an area that is not too warm and/or humid, as these will promote water damage and the growth of fungus and mold.  If storing your books in a basement, ensure that the humidity levels are not too high.  Stagnant air and the presence of heat and dampness will wreak havoc on your comics.   Your best bet is to throw some silica gel into your comic storage box to help reduce moisture.  You can also run a dehumidifier in the storage area.

If you have any useful tips to help keep fungus and mold away from comic books, please feel free to share!  Your comments and ideas are always welcome.