ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a comparative study of biological and atmospheric deterioration effects on three different sites of the Latin American cultural heritage, comparing the deterioration of buildings located in: a pure marine atmosphere, a rural atmosphere and, an urban environment. The close relationship between biodeterioration and weathering effects on the monuments and sites belonging to the cultural heritage has been rarely analyzed in the literature. The environment plays a relevant role in the type and extent of deterioration experienced by cultural property. Relative humidity, high temperatures and pollution usually enhance biodeterioration hazard. The Latin American cultural heritage covers a wide variety of archaeological monuments and sites deemed to have artistic or historic significance by both the local and the international societies. Several of the most relevant sites belonging to the Latin American cultural heritage are located in areas of tropical climates, which are characterized by high average air temperatures, high relative humidity and generally high precipitation values.
