Storage decay refers to the gradual degradation of physical materials or information over time, particularly when stored under suboptimal conditions. It affects a wide range of items such as food, electronics, documents, and artworks.
For example, consider an old photograph stored in a damp attic. Over time, the moisture in the air can cause the photograph to develop mold, leading to discoloration and potential destruction of the image. This process illustrates how improper storage conditions can lead to storage decay, ultimately compromising the integrity of the item.