Degradation Factors

Materials used in cultural products construction are comprised mostly by organic and inorganic materials. These materials are affected by environmental conditions in which are preserved and handled:

1. organic materials, from animals and plants (wood, paper, textiles, rubber extracts - resins and oils, plastics and animal parts - ivory and bones);

2. inorganic materials (rocks and minerals - stone, metal, ceramics and glass).

Physical - temperature, relative humidity, natural and artificial light.

Chemicals – dust and pollution , among other factors.

Biological - microorganisms, insects, rodents and other animals.

Human - improper handling, packaging or unnecessary exposure; unqualified restorations.

Natural - natural disasters, fires, effects of time.

Sudden temperature changes causes severe damage to most materials and, in particular, those with organic origin. These phenomena, over time, leads to the reduction of the natural elasticity and premature aging of the materials.

Campolide Church

Seiça Monastery – Figueira da Foz Aliados Avenue - Porto

Dukes from Cadaval Palace - Tentúgal

In the atmosphere are suspended particles which can be very harmful when deposited onto any material. The dust and soot on objects external surface causes abrasion and creates favorable conditions for the development of fungi and bacteria.

Jerónimos Monastery - Lisboa

Vouga River - Aveiro

The high rates of humidity and heat are often associated with attacks of fungi and bacteria. The insects also cause major damage to organic materials, just like animals, that can totally or partially destroy heritage.

Lello Bookstore - Porto

Convent of Christ - Tomar

“Pombalinos” Buildings - Lisboa

Restorative treatments, performed by unskilled people, often results on irreversible damages in the works of art or in the damaged objects.

Lack of awareness of aesthetic and/or historical values of an object often leads to vandalism.

Lisboa

Castro of S. Lourenço - Esposende

Lisboa

The Tea House - Porto

Earthquakes, land landslides, lack of intervention and other factors lead to degradation processes.

Earthquake – 1755 - Lisboa

Convent - Viana do Castelo

Madeira Island