Your Home's Hidden Microbial World: What It Means for Your Health

We spend a whopping 90% of our lives indoors, but have you ever stopped to think about all the tiny creatures sharing your space? That's right, your humble abode is home to over 9,000 different microbial species hiding in plain sight - mostly in dust. This complex ecosystem is known as the indoor microbiome and it plays a significant role in shaping our health. The indoor microbiome is heavily influenced by us - everything from cooking, cleaning and even having pets impacts which microbes thrive. But building design and operation also play crucial roles. Think about it: your ventilation system, amount of natural light, and construction materials all create an environment that either promotes or inhibits certain microbes. So what's the big deal? Well, the indoor microbiome can influence our health in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, early exposure to a diverse range of microbes helps train our immune system to distinguish between friend and foe. This may reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and autoimmune diseases later in life. Plus, this microbial exposure could also bolster immunity against common respiratory illnesses like colds. On the other hand, certain indoor environments with poor ventilation or high moisture levels can harbor harmful pathogens. Moldy conditions and asthma don't mix well, for example. And using antimicrobial cleaning products too often may inadvertently make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive - a serious public health concern. But wait, there's more! Emerging evidence suggests the indoor microbiome could influence our mental health too. Urban living has been linked to an increased risk of depression, and this could be related to the gut-brain axis. People in cities are exposed to fewer microbial species than those in rural areas, which may cause us to have a less diverse gut microbiome. This disruption to the communication between gut and brain could contribute to mental health disorders. So what can we do about it? One promising strategy is to intentionally shape these indoor microbial communities to promote well-being. Buildings could be designed with natural materials that harbor beneficial microbes, or ventilation systems that enhance diversity. We may even see probiotic cleaning products hit the market to outcompete harmful pathogens and promote a healthier balance. The bottom line: the indoor microbiome is a crucial aspect of our living environment that we often overlook. As we continue to unravel its mysteries, the potential to design spaces that actively enhance our health becomes increasingly exciting. The challenge now lies in making these advancements accessible to all - ensuring everyone can have a healthy indoor microbiome regardless of socioeconomic status.