In 1984, The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) embarked on a program of museum environmental research covering air pollution generated outdoors and indoors, and microenvironmental studies. These three branches are further divided into surveys of pollutant concentrations in buildings containing cultural and natural history collections, assessment of damage to materials, and control strategies. In the microenvironment, the targeted issues are humidity control and monitoring, low-cost sealed display cases, biological control, and selected topics in lighting. In separate but related areas, the GCI conducts research on the effects of vibration and shock, fumigation research, and on bringing the conservator and mechanical engineer closer together in the process of designing and retrofitting air-conditioning systems for buildings.