Introduction to Bioaerosols and Indoor Air Quality

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of bioaerosols, detailing their significant role in indoor air quality (IAQ) and their potential impact on human health. Bioaerosols, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and allergens, are biological particles that can easily become airborne and disperse throughout indoor spaces. These particles pose a heightened risk to health, particularly in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments where their concentration can rapidly increase, leading to adverse health outcomes such as respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, and other chronic conditions. This chapter emphasizes the growing importance of understanding bioaerosols in IAQ management, as they represent a critical aspect of indoor pollution that can affect both physical and mental well-being. It also highlighted key factors influencing the concentration of bioaerosols in indoor environments. Proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels are crucial in controlling the spread of bioaerosols.