Bioaerosols from indoor environment: Seasonal variation and impact on human health

ABSTRACT

Indoor air environments contain a complex mixture of bioaerosols containing bacteria, protozoans, viruses possibly including SARS CoV-2 causing COVID-19, and their by-products as well such as endotoxins, mycotoxins, and volatile microbial organic compounds. Bioaerosols are forms of air particles, present mostly in the indoor air that humans inhale. Therefore, the indoor environment is crucial components causing various health-related problems. Almost 40% of individuals spent their quality time at home and the remaining 60 to 70% of individuals spent their day in the workplace. There is a lack of awareness about bioaerosols of the indoor environment and their contribution towards the spread of various infections. This review presents the trend of various elements of bioaerosols in indoor air and their association with pulmonary and other diseases due to indoor air pollution. Recently, the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 has alerted us about the importance of bioaerosol research. Hence, the characterizations of bioaerosols including seasonal variation are necessary for its associated risk factor, prevention, and impact on human health.