Throughout this topic, we will explore the effects of the agents of deterioration on the various materials, since it is the best way to help us make a good decision when dealing with a preventive conservation intervention.

Factors of deterioration are divided into two groups:

• The universal factors: those that affect all locations and exist on the whole planet, and
• The factors that directly affect the institutions that protect the cultural heritage.

Each one of these factors will be covered in a proper lesson.