# slow fire > paper embrittlement of a book or document **Wikidata**: [Q2050767](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2050767) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_fire) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/slow-fire ## Summary Slow fire is the paper embrittlement of a book or document, a process that causes paper to become fragile and deteriorate over time. It is a significant preservation concern in libraries, archives, and museums. The term is also known by its German aliases Säurefraß, Papierfraß, Säurefrass, and Papierfrass. ## Key Facts - Slow fire is a subclass of preservation, which is the set of activities aimed at prolonging the life of records or objects in museums, libraries, and archives. - It is caused by acid paper, which leads to the deterioration of paper over time. - The term "slow fire" has aliases in German: Säurefraß, Papierfraß, Säurefrass, and Papierfrass. - It is classified as both a term and a process in knowledge systems. - The Wikipedia page for slow fire is available in six languages: commons, de, en, hr, nl, and uk. - It has a Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11hd1s6d8t. - The Microsoft Academic ID for slow fire is 2778016714 (discontinued). - It is associated with the freebase ID /m/06rlg. - The Wikipedia description for slow fire is "paper embrittlement of a book or document." - It has a sitelink count of 6, indicating its presence across multiple language editions of Wikipedia. ### Q: What is slow fire? A: Slow fire is the paper embrittlement of a book or document, a process that causes paper to become fragile and deteriorate over time. It is a significant preservation concern in libraries, archives, and museums. ### Q: What causes slow fire? A: Slow fire is caused by acid paper, which leads to the deterioration of paper over time. This process is a major issue in the preservation of historical documents and books. ### Q: What are the aliases of slow fire? A: The term "slow fire" has aliases in German: Säurefraß, Papierfraß, Säurefrass, and Papierfrass. These terms refer to the same paper embrittlement process. ## Why It Matters Slow fire is a critical issue in the fields of library science, archival studies, and museum conservation. It represents a significant threat to the longevity of paper-based materials, including books, documents, and historical records. The process of paper embrittlement can lead to the irreversible loss of valuable information and cultural heritage. Understanding and addressing slow fire is essential for preservation professionals who work to extend the life of these materials. By identifying the causes of slow fire, such as the use of acid paper, conservators can implement strategies to mitigate its effects and ensure that important documents remain accessible for future generations. The widespread recognition of slow fire across multiple languages and knowledge systems underscores its global importance in the preservation community. ## Notable For - Being a subclass of preservation, highlighting its importance in the field of conservation. - Having multiple German aliases (Säurefraß, Papierfraß, Säurefrass, Papierfrass), indicating its recognition in German-speaking countries. - Being classified as both a term and a process, reflecting its dual nature as a concept and a physical phenomenon. - Having a presence in six different language editions of Wikipedia, demonstrating its international relevance. - Being associated with specific knowledge graph and academic IDs, which facilitates its identification and study in digital knowledge systems. ## Body ### Definition and Classification Slow fire is defined as the paper embrittlement of a book or document. It is classified as a subclass of preservation, which encompasses activities aimed at prolonging the life of records or objects in museums, libraries, and archives. This classification underscores the importance of addressing slow fire in the context of broader preservation efforts. ### Causes and Effects The primary cause of slow fire is acid paper. Over time, the acids present in the paper cause it to become brittle and fragile, leading to deterioration. This process can result in the irreversible loss of information and the physical degradation of valuable documents and books. ### Linguistic and Cultural Significance The term "slow fire" has multiple aliases in German: Säurefraß, Papierfraß, Säurefrass, and Papierfrass. These aliases reflect the recognition of this preservation issue in German-speaking countries and highlight the international nature of the problem. ### Digital Presence and Recognition Slow fire has a significant digital presence, with a Wikipedia page available in six languages (commons, de, en, hr, nl, and uk). It also has a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/11hd1s6d8t) and was associated with a Microsoft Academic ID (2778016714, now discontinued). These digital identifiers facilitate the study and recognition of slow fire in various knowledge systems. ### Preservation Implications Understanding slow fire is crucial for preservation professionals. By recognizing the causes and effects of paper embrittlement, conservators can develop strategies to mitigate its impact. This may include the use of acid-free paper, proper storage conditions, and other conservation techniques to extend the life of paper-based materials.