Identify factors that degrade parachute fabric in storage.

• A. UV exposure, moisture, heat, chemical exposure, and pests, leading to loss of strength.
• B. Only UV exposure affects fabric.
• C. Oxygen exposure is the only factor that degrades strength.
• D. Pests improve fabric strength over time.

Answer: (A)

Parachute fabric stored properly can still degrade from several environmental factors that together reduce its strength. Ultraviolet light from sun or bright lamps breaks down the polymer chains in nylon, causing embrittlement and loss of tensile strength. Moisture allows water to interact with the fibers, promoting hydrolysis and encouraging mold or mildew growth, which weakens the fabric over time. Heat accelerates aging and chemical reactions, speeding up these degradation processes. Chemical exposure from cleaners, solvents, fuels, or storage pollutants can swell, weaken, or chemically attack the fabric. Pests such as insects or rodents physically damage the material by chewing or nesting, creating holes and weakening seams.

Because all of these factors contribute to strength loss in storage, the option that includes UV exposure, moisture, heat, chemical exposure, and pests best captures the real risks. Choices that limit degradation to a single factor or claim that some factors improve the fabric do not reflect how storage conditions impact parachute fabric. Keeping fabric in a cool, dry, dark place away from chemicals and pests helps maintain its strength.