Fungal degradation of cultural heritage monuments and management options

Fungi are widely recognized as major biodeteriogens of both modern and historical buildings/monuments. Different fungal taxa have been isolated from cultural heritage monuments/structures depending on climatic conditions, humidity level and surface material for fungal colonization. Deterioration of such monuments by fungi is through assimilatory biochemical and nonassimilatory mechanisms. This article provides information on fungi infesting historical monuments/sites across the globe and their management by various biocidal compounds. The preventive methods and potency of various essential oils against fungal growth on cultural heritage materials are also critically reviewed. The available information supports the use of essential oils for surface treatment or vapour exposure to prevent mould infestation on heritage monuments. Essential oils may also function as fungicidal agents in biocidal formulations/coatings.