Nitrocellulose deteriorates, giving off noxious products and creating a serious fire hazard, including the danger of spontaneous combustion. De teriorating nitrocellulose can also create a health hazard. Although it is easily reversible, old deteriorating films on objects may be endangering them. We need to evaluate the possibility of removing it from objects which have been treated with it, the chances of preserving objects made of it, the question of safe storage for such objects to limit fire hazards, and the necessity of continuing to use it as a conservation material.