Book excerpt: Pollution damages materials, but it has changed dramatically in the past century, with a reduction in the concentration of corrosive primary pollutants in urban atmospheres. At the same time, architectural styles and types of materials have changed, as we have moved to more organically rich, photochemically active atmospheres. Contemporary pollutants have a greater potential to degrade organic coatings and polymers, which are of great importance to modern structures.Urban Pollution and Changes to Materials and Building Surfaces examines a range of materials, discussing the ways in which they are likely to be damaged by contemporary urban pollutants, with an emphasis on the effects of air pollution. A chapter on graffiti is also included.The wide scope covered means that this volume is suitable for readers from a broad background. It should be of interest to scientists and policymakers dealing with the effects of urban pollution, as well as undergraduate and graduate students working in this area.This book, with its wealth of information, is of exceedingly good value for readers who seek to understand more on the changes of materials and building surfaces by urban pollution.