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Title
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Microbial exposures in residential homes
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Author
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Abstract
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| Since we spend most of our time indoors, the characteristics of the indoor environment, and in particular, the characteristics of the microbial environment, have an impact in our health and well-being. The composition of the indoor microbial environment in homes is determined by regional factors like climate, building factors (e.g. ventilation or presence of mould or dampness) or the occupants and their indoor activities (e.g. crowdedness, pet ownership, indoor smoking, cleanliness or use of gas for cooking). The “westernization” process has modified some of these factors leading to changes in the characteristics of the indoor microbial environment and a consequent impact in our health. To date, most studies have investigated the beneficial and negative effects of the indoor microbial environment on respiratory and allergic health, mainly among children. Nevertheless, some recent studies point to a potential impact on mental health. Among children and adults, the exposure to mould or damp at home seems to be a risk factor for the development of asthma and allergies, and may have a negative effect on neuropsychological development and mood disorders. On the other hand, growing up in a farm protects against allergies and asthma. Nevertheless, for children and adults, the health effects of the indoor microbial environment are only consistent in observation/report of indoor moisture damage or when comparing farming vs non-farming homes. When actual measures targeting indoor microbial exposure in (sub-) urban areas are included, the picture becomes less clear and the associations appear inconsistent. Similarly, the presence of mould or dampness at home has been associated with lower cognitive function and with behavioural problems in children. Among adults, living in damp homes may be related with mood disorders. However, the inclusion of actual measures of the indoor microbial environment in human studies does not confirm these associations. Further epidemiological studies are needed to obtain sufficient evidence of the effects of the indoor microbial environment on mental health. |
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Language
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English
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Source (book)
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Exposure to Microbiological Agents in Indoor and Occupational Environments / Viegas,C. [edit.]
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Publication
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Cham
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Springer
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2017
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ISBN
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978-3-319-61686-5
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DOI
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10.1007/978-3-319-61688-9_13
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Volume/pages
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p. 289-302
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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