Gene; I have no clear answer for the problems you have witnessed with respect to the chip holders you have described. I can say that in my 30 years as an ANA member and almost 25 years as a chip collector, I too have NEVER seen such a problem as you have described with the 2"x2" or 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" cardboard holders with mylar windows. I have literally thousands of chips stored in these cardboard fold-over holders for years and have not had any problems.

You mentioned "cellophane". The clear windows on today's cardboard fold-over type holders are mylar ... which is an inert material.

Wish I could be of more help.