ABSTRACT
The problem of microbiological contamination of the indoor environment still remains a topical issue worldwide. Progressive climate changes, resulting inter alia in floods around the world, inevitably increases the risk of water damage to buildings as well as their biodeterioration. The annual costs of such damage at a global level are difficult to estimate. The building materials used are not without significance for the biodeterioration processes, as some of them may have an increased susceptibility to microbial colonization. This chapter describes the contemporary causes of microbiological contamination of buildings as well as discussing the trend of green building and the risk of microbiological contamination of indoor spaces resulting from the application of certain constructional solutions consistent with this design philosophy. Attention was also drawn to the energy economy of buildings as an important factor influencing the formation of the indoor microbiome. Design and installation defects may lead to the formation of thermal bridges that are conducive to microbial growth on the building envelopes, which results in their progressive bio-corrosion, deterioration of indoor air quality and the development of ‘sick building syndrome’ symptoms. The discussion of these issues is preceded by an outline of the history of the problem concerning biodeterioration of materials and buildings, which has accompanied humanity since the dawn of time.
