Salt-laden moisture can do great harm to cars and property, as anyone living near the sea can testify. Severe moisture can cause wood to swell and paint to crack and flake off. Excessive dryness can be equally harmful and cause wood and ivory to split and the design layers of paintings to crack. The effect is cumulative over time. Paper, textiles, basketry, and other organic materials suffer most from the effects of light, whereas metal, stone, glass, and ceramics are less vulnerable.
Various pests prey on antiquities and collectibles.
Carpet beetles attack carpets, wool, feathers, skin, and horn. Moth larvae take a keen interest in woolen garments but also eat other proteins like fur and feathers. Powderpost and furniture beetles feed on wood. Safeguarding treasures against their various enemies is usually not difficult. Simply follow the precautions noted above and you will help in the preservation process.