In general it is known that over time, the density, colour balance and whites of prints are gradually changing by degradation. The rate of deterioration is depending on the different technologies used for printing, paper quality, type of illumination and the different types of protection (such as framed under glass, UV filtered glass, acrylic, polycarbonate or totally uncovered). End-consumer don't know "how long will your photo prints last". The indoor light display permanence test results including the test method will be explained of silver halide technology prints as original photopaper.

Photo books have become the means to preserve photographs for future generations, replacing the scrapbooks of yesteryear. Photo books include photos along with related information creating a unique body of work often dedicated to a specific location, time period, or group of people. They provide a unique perspective on today's events. Unfortunately poorly constructed books with inferior bindings or unstable images will not survive the test of time. These books result when manufacturers use materials and manufacturing processes that they have not properly tested for long-term permanence. In some cases, manufacturers may not have the resources or expertise for testing; in other cases they may not consider it important. While it is impossible to address apathy, experts within the industry can provide general information that makes it easier to produce high-quality photo book.

The photographic industry has had a long-standing concern over the use of materials containing poly vinyl chloride (PVC) materials. This caution was warranted due to PVC materials and plasticizers causing damage to silver halide photographic prints in the 1970s and early 1980s, often from album covers and print storage sleeves, among others. Several international standards for safe storage of photographic materials specifically forbid the use of PVC-containing materials. However, as the photo book industry has grown, new imaging materials are now in use, such as pages produced with electrophotographic printing technologies. In addition the actual materials used in construction of the photo book itself have changed, including the use of modern PVC-containing materials. Given the historical concerns around the use of PVC, an extensive test was designed to explore a range of modern PVC-containing materials in combination with the typical range of imaging media in use today. This includes silver halide, electrophotographic, inkjet, and thermal dye transfer imaging systems. This paper will review the design, implementation, and results of this test, as well as provide recommendations and test procedures that can be used to determine the compatibility of photo book construction materials with various imaging systems.