Photographs are prone to deterioration from acids in the print paper or frames they come in contact with, such as improper matte materials. Before people knew about the process of acid migration, about any type of paper was used for photo albums, mattes, and backings. The acids in papers transferred over time to the photographs causing staining, color distortions and damage throughout the photo wherever it touched the acidic paper. Additional, colors from the paper would stain prints if the paper got wet.
Other damage comes from storage media. Photo albums serve to organize groups of images while protecting them from physical and environmental damage. Photos stored in the early “magnetic albums” are usually damaged in removal.
Before it was known how much damage it caused, many people attempted to repair photos with clear tape. Over the years, the adhesive caused more damage, and would come loose. There are archival adhesive alternatives if needed.