PVC Flips in Red 2x2 Boxes

I was able to find some data for the vapor pressure of phthalates (the plasticizer that reacts with moisture to form hydrochloric acid). Vapor pressure is a good indication of how much material can be expected to be found as a gas at specific temp and pressure.

I've included a few other materials for reference . The units are Pascals (A unit of pressure) at room temp and atmospheric pressure . The higher the vapor pressure, the more gas you can expect.

Acetone = 30,000 Pa
Ethyl Alcohol = 12,400
Isopropyl alcohol = 4,400
Water = 2,400
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) = 7
Phthalates = 0.0000007 to 0.01

That indicates that there would be a minute amount of phthalates in the air. So any significant contamination of storage boxes would have to come through direct contact AND any gas phase from that contamination would be very small.

IMO, it doesn't appear that there is enough phthalate gas to migrate into the small gaps of a folded Mylar flip or 2x2. However, there is nothing wrong with being cautious and discarding old boxes (at the added costs). At least now, you can make the decision based on data, not unsubstantiated opinions being pushed as facts and proof.

Note: The 2 papers I found are behind a pay wall but the abstracts are accessible. PM me for the links to the abstracts.

 

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Thanks.

 

Here is the same Morgan 1887 after soaking in distilled water for 48 hours. All the green stuff is gone.!

 

Looks great, I wonder if the PVC residue is completely removed or if it could return again. I suppose time will tell.

 

I set it aside to watch and see if it returns.

 

Most of what has been said is Greek to me. I use the cardboard flips, but they have clear "something" so I can see my coins. Is the clear material dangerous to my coins? There are a lot of people that use them. I don't like the plastic flips, but I would like to know the safest way of storing my coins.

 

The cardboard flips use Mylar windows, which is safe. I like to brush off any cardboard dust before using because there is a small chance the particles could cause discoloration. I have only had this happen a few times and have multiple binders and boxes of coins in cardboard 2x2, some going back 50 years but I don't want to risk it.

I do not recommend the self seal 2x2s with the adhesive. I don't know if the adhesive can off gas and damage the coin, so I don't take a chance. Crimped staple on regular cardboard 2x2s work for me

I also use SafFlip brand plastic flips. They are made from mylar. Downside is they are somewhat brittle and the fold can break if you open and close them a lot

Hope this helps

 

A wealth of knowledge from several of the observations and opinions. A sincere thank you to everyone! Be safe

 

I have plenty in 2X2's as well - although not nearly that much. I however DO have some in the self sealing kind, I like them alot for both cleanliness and how well they seal up but now you've got me wondering. I have more of the staple shut kind but hmm.

I wonder if the jury is still out on that or if anyone has any data. I will say - the coins I have in those 2X2's aren't worth much. I'll have to keep an eye on them and see.