Biodeterioration of buildings and public health implications caused by indoor air pollution

Abstract

Biodeterioration challenges range from poor indoor air quality and exterior marble defacing to more dangerous building degradation. People often change the look of degraded walls by painting over them, removing carpets as well as replacing damaged wood and papers to improve their aesthetic value. Due to a lack of public awareness and health care infrastructure, the degradation rate is increasing in many countries. There is a need for a review of the international literature supporting practical recommendations. In this critical review paper, the role of microbes in deteriorating buildings, their health impacts in terms of mycotoxins and diverse strategies to handle them are discussed. Moreover, the forthcoming challenges associated with biodegradation and their health impacts have been addressed. Key recommendations have been made: (a) increase of awareness due to community involvement in enhancing moisture control, (b) improvement of cleaning processes and the use of air conditioning systems, (c) regular inspection and maintenance regimes for buildings and (d) cleaning of heating and air conditioning units and associated replacements of filters. The review provides a broad overview of the subject area and should be of interests to generalists working in a wide range of disciplines relevant to indoor air quality.