What can happen if X-ray films are stored improperly?

Storing X-ray films improperly can lead to a variety of issues that affect their quality and usability. When X-ray films are not stored in a controlled environment, they may become overexposed due to light exposure, which can ruin the films before they are even developed. Additionally, improper storage conditions, such as humidity or high temperatures, can cause artifacts or image degradation, leading to unreliable diagnostic information.

X-ray films can also become entirely unusable if they are subjected to conditions that far exceed their tolerances, such as extreme temperature fluctuations or moisture exposure, which can cause irreversible damage or deterioration. Consequently, the impact of improper storage encompasses all these factors, which is why the answer includes all of the mentioned outcomes. Proper storage is essential to maintain the integrity and diagnostic quality of X-ray films.