Biodeterioration of textiles is affected by fiber type, relative humidity, temperature, ultraviolet light, air pollution and the cleanliness of the textile surface. The techniques for protecting textiles from biodeterioration include the application of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiinsect chemical finishes and coatings to fabrics; spraying and dusting textiles and their surroundings with microbiocides and insecticides; storage of textiles with volatile substances and microencapsulation methods. See also 19-1527. -- AATA