The present volume contains the majority of the papers presented at the Second Pan-American Biodeterioration Society Meeting held at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA, on July 28, 29, 30, and 31, 1988. The sponsors for this symposium included The George Washington University, The Smithsonian Institution, The Virginia Department of Health, The University of Connecticut, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta University, Ball State University, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the Agriculture Research Service/U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the University of Georgia. The program was organized by members of the Program and Planning Committee. They invited leading scientists in specific topic areas and accepted contributed papers from individuals and laboratories actively involved in relevant areas of research and study. The participation of established scientists was encouraged. The Society (PABS) undertook to ensure that the program reflected current developments, informed reviews, embryonic and developing areas, and critical assessment for several aspects of the present state of knowledge as it relates to the major sections of the proceedings. Obviously, not all aspects of biodeterioration or biodegradation are represented.