CDs are susceptible to damage during handling and from environmental exposure. Pits are much closer to the label side of a disc, enabling defects and contaminants on the clear side to be out of focus during playback. Consequently, CDs are more likely to suffer damage on the label side of the disc. Scratches on the clear side can be repaired by refilling them with similar refractive plastic or by careful polishing. The edges of CDs are sometimes incompletely sealed, allowing gases and liquids to corrode the metal reflective layer and to interfere with the focus of the laser on the pits. The fungus Geotrichum candidum, found in Belize, has been found to consume the polycarbonate plastic and aluminium found in CDs. COUNT 4
QSN1 Where can one expect to find damage on a disc? ANS1 label side of the disc QSN2 How are scratches on a CD fixed? ANS2 refilling them with similar refractive plastic or by careful polishing QSN3 What eats at the plastic and aluminum found in CDs? ANS3 fungus Geotrichum candidum QSN4 Where does the fungus Geotrichum candidum originate from? ANS4 Belize