Agents of deterioration, published by Canada

The agents of deterioration identify 10 primary threats specific to heritage environments and encourage their prevention at the collections level first, by avoiding, blocking and detecting possible damage, and then by responding and treating damage. This integrated approach to conservation has also led to developments in risk assessment.

- Physical Forces
- Thieves and Vandals
- Fire
- Water
- Pests
- Pollutants
- Light, Ultraviolet and Infrared
- Incorrect Temperature
- Incorrect Relative Humidity
- Dissociation