Natural and induced environmental effects on composite materials are considered individually and as a total environment. The effects of corrosion, fire, and lightning on fiberglass fabric reinforced plastics (FRP) are discussed, and a study of moisture penetration reveals that two aluminum foil coatings may be used to protect laminates from this effect. FRP composites, when exposed to temperatures as cold as -65 F and as elevated as 250 F, are generally unimpaired in terms of strength and stiffness.