The contents of the book can be traced preliminary to a historical overview of the regulatory situation regarding the safety of cultural heritage in Italy and internationaly, with a consequent discussion of procedures for evaluation and prevention, guidelines and security system, in particular, in confined environments. Attention then focuses on the various risks and relevant scientific methodologies, comparing methodological paths and monitoring standards established by Italian and international organizations. A number of case studies carried out by the Diagnostic Laboratory for Cultural Heritage of the Department of Cultural Heritage at the Alma Mater Studiorum University og Bologna are examined.