What materials can safely be used in a scrapbook photo album? The answer to this question depends on what level of risk is acceptable. The safest tactic is too avoid anything that might potentially harm photographs; however this approach excludes memorabilia, including newspaper clippings, certificates, and ribbons, from the album. These items put photographs in context and add to their value. For this reason, I recommend including related items in a scrapbook photo album.
There is also no difference between buttons and ribbons defined as memorabilia and those added as page decorations and for consistency the same standards should be applied in both cases.
ISO standards would suggest not including either memorabilia or embellishments; however the risk can be minimized by not placing these items directly adjacent to or on top of photographs and by using Page Protectors to protect photographs on opposing pages. These recommendations will help preserve your memories for the future.
ISO photo safety requirements also recommend avoiding embellishments that could create a physical impression on photographs on the opposing page or positioning them in such a way that physical damage to opposing photos is unlikely. Scrapbook creators who are not concerned about photo safety may position the embellishments as they choose.
Product information must be very clear and not imply that embellishments or other items meet photo-safety or ISO requirements, when they do not.
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