MRCE:About MRCE

Agents of Deterioration
Enemies of Preservation

In the field of preservation, the term "agent of deterioration" is used to identify the different types of things that can harm or degrade an object.

Agents can be:

light damage - both visible and ultraviolet rays can harm artifacts by fading objects and breaking down fibers.
pest problems - many artifacts are considered a great meal by bugs and rodents, or they are used as nesting material.
environment - dirt, dust, gaseous pollutants, and body oils all affect artifacts by breaking down the object or by attracting other dirt to the objects.
temperature and humidity - severe fluctuations can cause warping and shrinkage as well as mold, mildew and rust.
storage - using proper materials and equipment to store objects can add hundreds of years to the life of an object.
security and fire protection - utilizing proper human and electronic security and fire protection systems prevent harm or reduce harm that can come to an object