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The Indoor Microbiome: Mounting Research Is Revealing How the Microbes in Your Home Can Influence Your Health

A Complex Ecosystem

We spend approximately 90% of our lives indoors, often oblivious to the fact that our homes are home to a vast array of microorganisms. In fact, research suggests that house dust contains around 9,000 different species of bacteria. This intricate ecosystem is often referred to as the indoor microbiome, consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that thrive in the environments where we live, work, and study.

The Importance of the Indoor Microbiome

As researchers continue to delve deeper into the study of the indoor microbiome, its significant impact on our health is becoming increasingly evident. The findings suggest that the indoor microbiome may influence our respiratory health, immune system, and even our mental wellbeing. This is because our indoor environments are significantly shaped by our daily activities, cooking, cleaning, and even having pets.

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Boosting Immunity and Improving Health

Exposure to a diverse range of microbes can have a profound impact on our immune system. The hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that early exposure to microbes helps train our immune system to distinguish between harmless and harmful agents, is rooted in this idea. This may reduce the likelihood of developing certain allergies and autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and multiple sclerosis.

Poor Indoor Environments and Health Risks

Certain indoor environments can harbor harmful pathogens, including damp and mouldy conditions, which are associated with respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Poor ventilation can also allow common respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, to spread more easily. Furthermore, the use of antimicrobial cleaning products indoors may inadvertently promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health risk.

Mental Health and the Indoor Microbiome

Emerging evidence suggests that the indoor microbiome may also play a role in influencing mental health. Urban living has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression, and this may be related to the gut-brain axis. This pathway enables communication between the gut microbiome and the brain, which can influence mood and cognitive function. People living in urban areas are exposed to fewer microbial species, which may lead to a less diverse gut microbiome and disrupt communication between the gut and brain, potentially contributing to mental health disorders.

Creating Healthier Indoor Spaces

Given the growing evidence of the indoor microbiome’s impact on our health, there is an increasing interest in intentionally shaping these microbial communities to promote wellbeing. This can be achieved by designing buildings to support a healthy microbiome, using natural materials and enhancing microbial diversity through ventilation systems and living walls with diverse plant and microbial life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many species of bacteria can be found in house dust?
A: Approximately 9,000.

Q: What is the hygiene hypothesis?
A: The hypothesis suggests that early exposure to microbes helps train our immune system to distinguish between harmless and harmful agents.

Q: Can indoor environments impact our mental health?
A: Yes, research suggests that exposure to fewer microbial species and less diverse gut microbiome can contribute to mental health disorders.

Q: What are some ways to promote a healthy indoor microbiome?
A: Designing buildings to support a healthy microbiome, using natural materials, and enhancing microbial diversity through ventilation systems and living walls are some strategies.