Indoor bioaerosol dynamics

Nazaroff, William W

Framing the issues Scope, limitations, and approach Bioaerosols are usually defined as aerosols or particulate matter of microbial, plant or animal origin. . .. Bioaerosols . . . may consist of pathogenic or nonpathogenic live or dead bacteria and fungi, viruses, high molecular weight . . . allergens, bacterial endotoxins, mycotoxins, peptidoglycans, b(1?3)-glucans, pollen, plant fibers, etc.- Douwes et al. (2003) 'Bioaerosol' is a contraction of 'biological aerosol', and 'aerosol' refers to a suspension of particles in a gas. The exact boundary for what should be included or excluded in the term 'bioaerosol' is challenging to define. For the purposes of this study, the central focus will be defined more narrowly. All microbes are included: viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Also included are microbe-associated chemicals such as endotoxins and mycotoxins. However, although they are part of bioaerosols, this article shall not explicitly address either pollen or pet-or pest-associated allergens such as cat dander or fecal pellets of dust-mites.