What is the major issue typically encountered in most darkrooms?

In darkrooms, which are critical for processes such as film developing in radiography, the presence of dust and dirt poses a significant issue. This contamination can lead to artifacts or defects on radiographic films, affecting the quality of the images produced. Maintaining a clean environment is essential to avoid these problems, as any foreign particles can interfere with the clarity and accuracy of the developed radiographs. Proper maintenance protocols, including regular cleaning, are necessary to minimize the presence of dust and dirt and ensure the best possible outcomes from radiographic procedures.

While broken equipment, insufficient lighting, and high temperatures can present challenges in a darkroom setting, they are not typically as pervasive an issue as dust and dirt. Broken equipment may lead to operational difficulties, insufficient lighting can hinder tasks that require precise handling of materials, and high temperatures are more related to the chemical aspects of film processing. However, none of these factors are as directly impactful on the integrity of the radiographic images as dust contamination.