The historic and archaeological heritage : pollution and non-urban sites

Abstract

When considering air pollution and its effects on cultural heritage, the mind instantly goes towards urban pollution, primarily from energy generation, industry and traffic. And indeed, most studies available today centre around pollution generated in, and affecting, cultural heritage in the city ( e.g. Brimblecombe, 2003; Sabboni, 2003; Inkpen, 2003; Yates, 2003; Nava et al., 2010; Tidblad et al., 2012). However, cultural heritage, and here the focus will be on built heritage including historic buildings and archaeological sites, is not exclusively located in urban centres. There is a wealth of heritage located outside main city centres often in rural areas or the periphery of cities, which one does not commonly associate with air pollution.