20 Dangerous Artifacts Pulled from Ocean Wrecks

The RMS Republic sank in 1909, during the silent film era. This means any film reels recovered from its vault are made of nitrocellulose, a very unstable material. Over time, and especially underwater, old film decomposes into a gooey, volatile mess. This substance contains nitric acid compounds that are not only highly flammable but can self-ignite without any warning. Conservators cannot touch the material or expose it to heat or light. A priceless piece of film history could spontaneously burst into flames in the lab.