The NCSE 2017 symposium, titled “Microbiology of the Built Environment: Implications for Health and Design,” brought together experts from various fields to discuss how our built environments influence health through microbial interactions. This critical discourse is pivotal for practitioners aiming to integrate cutting-edge research into practical applications.
The Indoor Microbiome: A New Frontier
We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, making it crucial to understand how indoor microbial communities affect our health. The symposium highlighted that microbial communities within buildings are influenced by factors such as building design, ventilation, and occupancy. These factors can either promote a healthy microbiome or lead to adverse health outcomes.
Childhood Asthma and Indoor Microbial Exposure
A significant portion of the symposium focused on how indoor microbial exposures are linked to childhood asthma. Studies show that different microbial compositions in house dust can influence asthma severity, especially in children with atopic conditions. Practitioners should consider these findings when advising on building designs or renovations to mitigate asthma risks.
Hospital Design: A Critical Consideration
Hospital environments present unique challenges due to their high susceptibility to microbial contamination. The symposium revealed that hospital architecture significantly impacts the microbiome present in these settings. For instance, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is particularly sensitive due to its vulnerable occupants. Understanding these dynamics can guide improvements in hospital design to reduce infection risks.
Plumbing Systems: More Than Just Pipes
The microbiome within plumbing systems plays a crucial role in public health. The symposium underscored concerns about pathogens like Legionella pneumophila thriving in premise plumbing. Practitioners can apply this knowledge by advocating for specific engineering controls such as optimal water temperatures and pipe materials to curb pathogen proliferation.
Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Threat
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a pressing concern discussed at length during the symposium. Built environments can contribute to this issue by harboring resistant strains. By understanding these interactions, practitioners can develop strategies to minimize antibiotic resistance through informed building designs and maintenance practices.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)
The application of QMRA models was another highlight of the symposium. These models help predict health risks associated with microbial exposures and can inform engineering designs that promote safer environments. Practitioners are encouraged to incorporate QMRA insights into their risk assessment protocols.
Translating Research into Practice
The insights from the NCSE 2017 symposium offer valuable guidance for practitioners looking to improve their skills and influence policy. By integrating these findings into practice, professionals can contribute to healthier built environments that support public health goals.
For those interested in delving deeper into this research, I highly recommend reading the original paper: Translating research to policy at the NCSE 2017 symposium “Microbiology of the Built Environment: Implications for Health and Design”.
