Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to photographic deterioration?

Photographic deterioration can be caused by several factors. Let's evaluate each option:

• a) Poor environmental storage condition: High humidity, extreme temperatures, light exposure, and air pollutants can all cause photographs to fade, discolor, or become brittle. This is a significant factor.
• b) Rough or inappropriate handling: Physical damage such as scratches, tears, creases, and fingerprints directly contributes to the deterioration of a photograph. This is also a significant factor.
• c) Absentia of residual photographic processing chemicals: Residual processing chemicals (like fixer) left in a photograph after processing are a major cause of deterioration, leading to staining and fading. Therefore, the absence of these chemicals actually prevents deterioration, rather than contributing to it. This option is incorrect.
• d) Instability of archival material: This refers to the inherent chemical and physical properties of the photographic print itself. If the materials used to create the photograph (e.g., paper, emulsion, dyes) are not stable or archival quality, they will inherently break down and deteriorate over time, regardless of storage or handling. This is a fundamental cause of deterioration.

Options a, b, and d all contribute to photographic deterioration. However, in a single-choice question asking for "factors," the inherent instability of archival material (d) is a fundamental and intrinsic cause. If the materials themselves are unstable, deterioration is inevitable over time.

The correct option is d).

d) Instability of archival material