International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Materials, including Historic and Cultural Monuments
Co-Chairs: Mr. Johan Tidblad and Ms.Teresa La Torretta
Head of Programme Centre: Mr. Johan Tidblad
Studies have shown that atmospheric corrosion caused by acidifying pollutants results in significant economic costs. Extensive damage has been observed on historical and cultural structures and monuments, including calcareous stones, medieval glass, and metals. To address these concerns, the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Materials, including Historic and Cultural Monuments (ICP Materials) was launched in 1985 to fill critical knowledge gaps.
The objectives of ICP Materials are to perform a quantitative evaluation of the effect of sulphur and nitrogen compounds and other major pollutants, including at low concentrations, on the atmospheric corrosion of key materials, and to assess the trends of corrosion and pollution. The quantitative evaluation aims at determining dose-response relationships as a basis for assessing acceptable and/or target levels and calculating costs associated with material damage.ICP Materials examines various materials, including structural metals, stone materials, paint coatings, electric contact materials, samples of medieval stained-glass windows and polymer materials. The aim of these trend exposures is to provide: a) effects-based evidence of emission reductions achieved under the Convention, and b) a method for identifying extraordinary environmental changes that result in material damage.
Monitoring activities
A network of approximately 25 exposure sites in 17 countries spans diverse geographic zones across Europe and North America. At these sites, the programme monitors:
- Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃)
- Periodic measurements of nitric acid (HNO₃) concentrations and particulate matter (PM) deposition
- Rainwater analysis to examine the wet deposition of pollutants
Coordination and Leadership
The programme is planned and coordinated by a Task Force led by Sweden, with the Main Research Centre hosted at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in Stockholm. Since 2005, the programme has been co-chaired by Sweden and Italy (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development – ENEA). Sub-centres in the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are responsible for preparing and distributing material specimens and evaluating corrosion effects after exposure.
The revised mandate for ICP Materials can be found in EB decision 2019/19.
Further information is available from the Programme Centre.
Reports of ICP Materials