I've read that RS485 protocol will damage RS232 serial port electronics.

Would someone please confirm this and expand on the matter if possible.

Further research encountered an article that states that RS232 is more likely to damage an RS485 port. So, I've dug a little deeper.

RS232 devices should be able to handle +/- 25V on any pin as "The standard specifies a maximum open-circuit voltage of 25 volts; signal levels of ±5 V,±10 V,±12 V, and ±15 V are all commonly seen depending on the power supplies available within a device" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232).

AND

For RS-485, "The output voltage shall not exceed ±6 V under unloaded conditions" (http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/slla070c/slla070c.pdf).

SO, I conclude that:

RS-232 should be able to handle anything that an RS-485 port can throw at it as long as it is not malfunctioning.

It may be possible that RS-485 can be damaged by RS-232 given the right conditions.
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I'd still like to hear from anyone with a more thorough understanding of the matter.

you got it. if anything get's damaged it will be 485/422 port.
RS232 is designed with protection (against short circuit for example) and by standard supports up to +/-25V.