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At least some recent CRT color phosphors are applied with a chromated hydroxycellulose. That's a water based photosensitive material. I would find it difficult to believe that any phosphor that stands up to water would be bothered by exposure to air. Once baked on moisture shouldn't bother them much either.
Prolonged exposure to moist air could damage the aluminization. Aluminum is a fairly reactive metal when not protected by its oxide layer. Particles of carbon, or possibly the phosphor, could cause corrosion in moist air.
So, I think you're right to worry about air, but the phosphors themselves should be stable. IMHO.
I use the red CRT phosphor that is used in color CRTs to make beam viewers. The phosphor is applied as a water solution and we bake them in air with no ill effects. However, we don't aluminize them.
I think the statement that "no one knows until a rebuild is attempted" is still correct.
John
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