Abstract
From this issue, the title was “Recent topics related to microorganisms in the indoor environment,” and sequential explanations were provided by six members of the microbe subcommittee. The problem of microbes in the indoor environment is a serious public problem every year. Many problems must be overcome, such as “allergies from indoor environment pollution caused by mold,” “infectious diseases and allergies in workplaces and public facilities,” and “allergies and infectious diseases in temporary housing provided during natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, which have become frequent in recent years.” These explanations, describe the housing and workplace environment, with regard to the following: Contamination and actual status of microbes, infection route, health effects and countermeasures Introduction: Describes the changes in housing morphology and diseases. Three routes of infection by microbes in the indoor environment are particularly important: 1) droplet infection (droplet infection), 2) airborne infection (air borne infection), and 3) fomite infection (food/contact) infection (vehicle-borne infection). Airborne infection should be regarded as a problem in the modern airtight indoor environments of houses and public facilities that must be considered for the increase and countermeasures of allergic diseases. Indeed, nasal and paranasal sinus diseases in kindergarten to high school students are highly prevalent, particularly among elementary and junior high school students. In addition, the number of elderly people 65 years of age or older with asthma has increased in recent years. Continuous inhalation of airborne fungi is a concern.
