Increased Air Pollution
Silverware tarnishes due to a reaction with sulfur compounds in the air. Today, industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust release higher levels of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants, accelerating the tarnishing process.
Changes in Domestic Environment
- Household Chemicals: Many modern cleaning products contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can react with silver, leading to faster tarnishing.
- Cooking and Food: Foods rich in sulfur, such as eggs and onions, are more prevalent in diets today. When these foods are cooked, they can release sulfur compounds that contribute to tarnishing.
Increased Use of Silverware
With the resurgence of interest in using real silverware for dining, the frequency of exposure to air and moisture has increased. More frequent handling and exposure to food can accelerate tarnishing.
Changes in Manufacturing
- Lower Quality Alloys: Some silverware today may be manufactured with lower quality alloys or less pure silver content, making them more susceptible to tarnishing.
- Lack of Protective Coatings: Older silverware often had protective coatings that are less common today, leading to more rapid tarnishing when these coatings are absent.
Environmental Factors
- Humidity Levels: Changes in indoor humidity can influence how quickly silver tarnishes. Higher humidity can lead to quicker oxidation.
- Pollutants: The presence of household items such as rubber or certain types of wood can release sulfur compounds, further contributing to tarnishing.
In summary, the combination of increased air pollution, changes in household products, and environmental factors contributes to silverware tarnishing more rapidly today than it did 50 years ago.