Aerobiology: General and applied aspects in the conservation of art works

In this review, sources of microbial contamination of air, factors affecting airborne spores survival, conditions that determine their composition and sampling methods are considered. The relation between airborne microorganisms and microorganisms colonizing surfaces of art works is also analyzed. Finally some advanced methods to detect and identify microorganisms responsible for alteration are suggested. © 1993 The Italian Association of Aerobiology.