EN
Stone objects — monuments, relics and buildings — are deteriorating at an accelerating rate due to different causes. Natural weathering has always occurred, even in an environment unpolluted by chemical contaminations, but usually at a slow rate. With the introduction of chemical pollutants to the environment, the deterioration of stone objects is proceeding at a faster pace than was the case in the past. The paper provides a general background, and refers to the chemical factors which accelerated the decay of stone as well to the preservation procedures and the efficiency of protective treatment.