Dust and Infection Control
Asthma, pneumonia,upper respiratory infections. Where do they come from? What triggers an infection? Recent research seems to indicate that common house dust may be a trigger for many environmentally related illnesses. A story in the BMC Microbiology journal indicated that scientists had located approximately 500 species of bacteria including staphylococcus and streptococcus species in common house dust.
Dust was collected from two nursing homes located in small towns in central Finland. Offices in the two buildings were sampled at different times during one year to obtain four seasonal samples. Up until now, scientists stated, most of the information about indoor microbes had focused on fungi. These results show information about bacteria, the diversity and seasonal dynamics of the bacterial community in an indoor environment.
More research is needed on where the microbes are coming from.
Source: BMC Microbiology (2008, April 9) We’re Surrounded! House Dust is a Rich Source of Bacteria. Science Daily. Retrieved April 9, 2008.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
AZReam responds:
Posted: April 19th, 2008 at 7:12 am →
Simple solutions are at hand; for example, dispensers and cabinets to assist with compliance to CDC guidelines for hospitals, modern surface cleaners, etc.