Air pollution and conservation : safeguarding our architectural heritage

The problem of air pollution is an international one, affecting both urban and rural environments. Given the need to cope with questions of general and global relevance, current knowledge is inadequate. Neither do traditional conservation methods meet current requirements. This volume addresses the problems of air pollution from a broad integrated viewpoint, providing a comprehensive review on progress in this area. Conservation problems in general are examined, as well as the detailed question of the deterioration and preservation of stone materials in their various areas of application. A critical review of existing knowledge is presented together with a number of tentative hypotheses regarding important problems which still need to be solved. Ranging from the humanities to the pure sciences, both the technology and applied methods in conservation are examined. Continued research is also emphasised: aiming at better knowledge and methods; programmes of action; new manufacturing methods; altered practices in society; etc., and the spreading of knowledge and information to all those concerned with the preservation of the environment, not least the public at large.