ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Agents of deterioration

Imagine you have a toy that you love and want to keep it for a long time. But sometimes, things happen that can make your toy break or get dirty overtime. These things are called agents of deterioration.

There are many different types of agents that can affect your toy. Let's talk about them.

1. Physical Agents: This means things that can physically damage your toy, like water, fire, or pests. If you leave your toy outside and it gets rained on, the water can damage it. If you put it too close to a heater, it might melt.

2. Biological Agents: This refers to things that can grow on or in your toy, like mold or bacteria. If you leave your toy in a damp place, it might get moldy. If you don't clean it well, bacteria can grow on it and make it dirty and gross.

3. Chemical Agents: These are things that can harm your toy if they come into contact with it, like cleaning products or pollutants. If you use harsh chemicals to clean your toy, they might damage the surface. If your toy is near a factory that releases pollution, it could get dirty or discolored.

4. Radiant Energy: This is energy that comes from the sun or other sources, like light or heat. Over time, too much exposure to sunlight can fade or weaken your toy. Turning on a bright light for a long time can also cause damage.

5. Human Activity: This refers to things that people do that can affect your toy, like touching it too much or not handling it carefully. When people handle your toy, they can transfer oils from their skin to it, causing it to discolor over time. Rough handling can also cause it to break or wear down.

In summary, agents of deterioration are things that can harm your toy over time. To keep your toy in good shape, you'll want to protect it from water, mold, chemicals, too much sun, and rough handling. By being careful with how you treat your toy, you can make it last a long time and keep it looking like new.