ABSTRACT
Designing healthy, sustainable, and equitable indoor spaces may be achieved by considering climate-related changes and harnessing the potential of beneficial microorganisms. In the built environment, occupants are consistently exposed to a variety of chemical pollutants, particulate matter, and microorganisms. Just as we have the human microbiome, there exists an indoor microbiome, which comprises a complex collective community of viruses and living microorganisms, as well as their fragments and byproducts. These indoor environments are shaped by a variety of factors, including architectural design, with certain microbial exposures leading to potentially negative health impacts. This chapter examines the intimate relationship between building occupants and the indoor microbiome, shedding light on the profound influence these microorganisms exert on human health and well-being, exploring the negative as well as the beneficial and protective effects of indoor microorganisms.
