Define the term records deterioration?

Records deterioration refers to the physical or chemical degradation of records over time, leading to the loss of information or the inability to access or use the records effectively. This can be caused by factors such as improper storage conditions, exposure to light, moisture, pests, or poor handling practices. Deterioration can result in the fading, tearing, or disintegration of records, making them unreadable or unusable. Proper preservation and conservation techniques are necessary to prevent records deterioration and ensure the longevity of valuable information.