Since the publication of the first edition in 1986, the field of biodeterioration has expanded, evolved, and inevitably become more complex. New techniques in molecular biology are now routinely employed, and regulations on biocide use have been refined and made more stringent in moves towards integrated pest management and environmental protection.

Despite these changes, the aim of this book and the approach we have employed have remained constant. This book is intended as a basic introduction to biodeterioration, which is the attack on materials of economic significance by living organisms. The subject is huge, and this remains a very small book. The authors have attempted to cover most of the important areas; to this end, there are now three of us and we have enlisted the help of other specialists in certain fields. Nevertheless, some readers will find their particular interest poorly represented. The approaches to the subject of biodeterioration vary widely, depending on the specialist area. Apest-control officer will view the subject differently froma bacteriologist, a biocide manufacturer differently from a museum conservator.We hope that our approach will be of help and interest to a wide range of readers who are not yet specialists in particular aspects of the topic and also to many in areas in which biodeterioration is infrequently considered. A basic level of understanding of biological systems is assumed. Those readers who do not have such an understanding are referred to the more general texts which are included in the reading lists for each chapter.