As a general rule, if metal surfaces are kept sanitary and have an adequate supply of oxygen to preserve their protective layer, they will most likely be able to resist imbedded and surface contaminants for quite a while. Still in most cases, peeling of plating or other coated materials; rust, corrosion and the introduction of other imbedded contaminants can always arise. In certain applications, especially those requiring ultra high purity, this can pose a problem. Electropolishing can help.
