Microbiome of Low Profile and Well Ventilated Houses and Human Health Risks

Abstract

Indoor environments have become a predominant habitat for modern individuals, as urban individuals spend the majority of their time in the indoor reservoir, mostly in homes, workplaces, schools, public transports, hospitals, and other indoor spaces. Concomitant with this rapid growth and expansion of indoor reservoirs, there is also a quest to maintain and protect the well-being of indoor occupants. The awareness of exposure to the indoor microbiome and its health effects is lacking. Individuals in indoor reservoirs co-exist with a myriad of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and microbial parasites such as mites. Different rooms within the same building (e.g., bedroom vs. bathroom) exhibit distinct microbiomes. In this article, we review the origins and the components of the microbial communities in low-profile and well-ventilated houses and their possible effect on human health. It is, therefore, necessary to monitor and control indoor airborne microbes for occupational safety and public health.