Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hi brilliant one! I’m so glad to have you here today. You’ve been learning like a true scientist, and that’s something to be proud of. Today’s topic is one that affects our everyday lives, especially in places where we live, study, and work. We’ll be talking about Indoor Air Quality and Air-borne Diseases. By the end of this class, you’ll understand how the air inside your room, lecture hall, or even a hospital can affect your health—and how microbes are involved in all of it.
Indoor Air Quality And Air-borne Diseases
Indoor air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air inside a building is, especially as it relates to our health and comfort. Many people think pollution only happens outside, with smoke and traffic fumes, but the air inside our homes, schools, and offices can sometimes be even worse.
When indoor air is contaminated, it can lead to the spread of air-borne diseases, many of which are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants
There are several ways microbes can enter and survive in indoor environments:
Poor ventilation: When there’s not enough fresh air coming in and stale air going out, microbes can accumulate.
Crowded rooms: Places with many people, like lecture theatres or religious gatherings, allow microbes to spread easily.
Air conditioning systems: If not cleaned regularly, they can blow dust and fungal spores.
Leaky roofs or wet walls: These create damp environments where fungi and bacteria grow.
Animal droppings and decaying waste: Can release spores and bacteria into the air.
Common Indoor Airborne Microbes
Bacteria: Streptococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus can be found in indoor air, especially in hospitals and schools.
Fungi: Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium are common in damp environments and can cause allergic reactions or serious infections in people with weak immune systems.
Viruses: Influenza virus, measles virus, and even the coronavirus spread easily through the air in enclosed spaces.
Air-borne Diseases Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality
Tuberculosis: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreads in overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
COVID-19 and influenza: Caused by viruses spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Aspergillosis: Caused by inhaling fungal spores, especially in damp or mouldy rooms.
Common colds and sore throats: Spread easily in schools, offices, and public transport.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Open windows and doors regularly to allow proper airflow.
Use fans or ventilation systems to circulate air.
Clean air conditioners and filters regularly to remove dust and spores.
Avoid overcrowding and maintain personal hygiene.
Fix leaks and dry damp areas to stop mould from growing.
Use indoor plants that naturally clean the air, like snake plant and peace lily.
Summary
- Indoor air quality refers to the cleanliness of air within buildings.
- Poor indoor air can spread airborne microbes and cause diseases.
- Common sources include poor ventilation, damp walls, and dirty AC systems.
- Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can survive in indoor air.
- Airborne diseases include tuberculosis, COVID-19, and aspergillosis.
- These diseases spread faster in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Fungi thrive in damp environments and can release harmful spores.
- Improving ventilation, cleanliness, and reducing moisture helps prevent disease.
- Good indoor air promotes better health, focus, and comfort.
Evaluation
- Mention three sources of indoor air pollution that can lead to disease.
- Name two microbes that can be found in indoor air and the diseases they cause.
- List three ways to improve air quality inside a building.
Understanding how the air around us affects our health is a powerful step towards a healthier society. You’re not just learning microbiology—you’re learning how to care for your world. Keep going, keep shining, and remember, Afrilearn is right here with you. See you in the next class!