Can toner fumes fog unexposed film?

Odd question, but years ago, in the 1970's, when I purchased my studio from previous owner, seems we had some sheet film that was "fogged" not sure if it was color or b/w, but it had sat in the darkroom for a while, as this was the normal place to keep opened boxes of 4x5. The previous owner said that it was because he had toned some b/w prints, and the "fumes" had caused the fogging. There was central heat/air in the darkroom, but otherwise no ventilation.

My question, is this technically possible for toner, and I am not sure whether it was polytoner, sepia toner, selinium toner, or brown toner, to fog film that is stored in proximity to the toner bath?

Yes. Don't sepia tone where you store your film and paper.

Certain toners can fog both film and paper (via Hydrogen sulfide gas) if used in close proximity or in a closed in space like a darkroom. Toning actually gives better results if done in the light because you can better see the progress.

- Randy

Another reason to do toning in a well ventilated area is that hydrogen sulfide, produced by various toners, is a poisonous gas.

Both hydrogen sulfide and ammonia fumes can fog film.

PE

reellis67 said:

Toning actually gives better results if done in the light because you can better see the progress.

- Randy

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I agree one should tone "in the light", however in most of our situations, the only large sink to put print trays in, is IN the darkroom. Of course, one tones with the white lights turned on, to see the process. However, most of us also store (at least) our printing papers in the darkroom, and also open, partially used boxes of b/w sheet films, as one has to be in the dark to load holders. I wonder if sealing opened boxes of sheet film in zip-lock baggies would protect from the fumes, since the fumes are not a constant occurance? It is obvious to me that one should tone with the darkroom door open, and at least a fan going to circulate air and dissapate fumes. I personally have not had any fogging of photo sensitive materials due to toning, but as I mentioned I found some fogging from previous owners toning efforts. I am assuming that the sealed foil packs of unopened boxes of sheet film (as well as the sealed plastic films on 120 films) would act as vapor/fume barriers suitable for protection against toning fumes?

My 'darkroom' is the shooter (toilet/loo/dunny/etc..) so I usually sit out on the back screened in porch and tone out there. The sunlight can't hit my trays right on, but it's plenty light to see in and when it's time to wash, I go back in the can or use the utility sink in the garage. Due to the humidity, I keep all my paper in the library (a room, literally bursting with books) rather than the 'darkroom'.

- Randy

The darkroom is probably one of the worst places to store film and paper. This is due to chemical fumes and high humidity. It's best to store only enough paper for a few printing sessions. Store film and the rest of the paper somewhere else.

Gerald Koch said:

The darkroom is probably one of the worst places to store film and paper. This is due to chemical fumes and high humidity. It's best to store only enough paper for a few printing sessions. Store film and the rest of the paper somewhere else.

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I agree. Mine lives in the freezer.

David.

Ansel Adams in his book the "Negative" advised against storing processed prints or negatives in the darkroom. He said the fumes could damage the materials.

He also had a darkroom fire so I am sure he was a bit gun shy about that kind of thing.