Common Bacteria Found In The Air In And Around Your Home
Posted in Air Quality, on September 24, 2015
Are you aware that you share your living space with bacteria? Discover the kinds that exist in your home. Bacterial organisms are virtually everywhere, from your home to workplace and even in the air you inhale. Few people know that numerous bacteria not only coexist with us constantly, but could also affect your home's air quality. In indoor settings, bacteria exist on surfaces and in the air. High bacteria levels indoors indicate poor ventilation or building maintenance. Here's a look at common bacteria in and around your home.
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is a sphere-shaped bacterium that can produce various diseases due to infection of various body tissues. Related diseases can be mild, thereby requiring no treatment, or potentially fatal. The bacterium exists virtually everywhere and is common on the skin. However, the bacterium also exists in nasal passages and the throat. Some of the illnesses caused by staphylococcus include toxic shock syndrome, food poisoning, and skin infections. It's important to note that most of the bacterium's species are harmless. Furthermore, the bacteria can survive in the presence or absence of oxygen. The best-known member of these bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus, which is often in the respiratory tract.
Pseudomonas
The rod-shaped bacterium is common in water, soil, and on plants. The opportunistic pathogen is typically a nosocomial infection because the organism typically attacks persons with compromised immune systems. Besides infection, pseudomonas can produce exotoxins. While infections can arise in any part of the body, symptoms depend on the infected body part. Healthy people typically don't get infections. Instead, those with a compromised immune system because of another condition or illness face a higher likelihood of infection. This is particularly true for persons who've been hospitalized for an extended period. In hospitals, the spread of bacteria can occur through cleaning solutions, medical equipment, or even food. Conditions that may increase the likelihood of infection include cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, HIV or AIDS. Unfortunately, infections are difficult to treat since the bacteria can resist numerous kinds of antibiotics.
Bacillus
Bacillus bacterium is very hardy since it can produce endospores-small structures that can endure adverse conditions. Bacillus includes parasitic and non-parasitic pathogenic species. It exists in water, soil, dust, and at times in the human digestive system. While some species can cause food poisoning, others can cause infection or illness. Numerous species of the bacterium can generate copious quantities of enzymes, which are beneficial in various industries. Some species are harmful to plants, humans, or other organisms, for instance, cereus causes spoilage in canned foods. Although most strains aren't pathogenic for humans, they may infect humans incidentally as soil organisms except bacillus anthracis, which generates anthrax in domestic animals and humans. Bacillus species include:
- Bacillus cereus
The species causes severe food poisoning. Although it isn't as common as Salmonella or other species that produce food-borne disease. Bacillus cereus is specific in the kinds of food it contaminates. It exists on the external casing of rice and can produce spores that are highly resistant to high or low temperatures. Furthermore, the spores can withstand pasteurization.
- Bacillus subtilis
Also called hay or grass bacillus, this species is mostly in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of humans. The common bacterium is very hardy and resistant to extreme temperatures, environmental factors, and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial processes. The bacterium is beneficial in numerous ways. For instance, it's effective in the leather industry and detergents. It's also useful in the production of numerous antibiotics.
Micrococcus
The sphere-shaped bacterium is relatively harmless and is common on the skin. However, it's also present in water, soil, and meat products. It typically feeds on decomposing materials and can cause fish spoilage. The organism can be an opportunistic pathogen, especially in persons with compromised immune systems. If you think your home is free of bacteria simply because you maintain a rigid cleaning schedule, you're wrong. You'll discover that some of these airborne bacteria exist in your home. If you require assistance with air quality problems, please contact us so we can help (416) 414-5690