Exposure to the household microbiome can have both positive and negative effects on our health.
The dust in your home is home to a variety of microbial life. It is estimated that we can find around 9,000 different species living in our home environment. This ecosystem is known as the “home microbiome,” and just like the microbiome in our gut or mouth, it affects our health in significant ways. As scientists uncover the secrets of this invisible world, its importance to our well-being becomes increasingly clear.
The home microbiome includes communities of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. It is influenced by our daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and even having pets. In addition, factors such as building design, type of ventilation, and building materials also play a crucial role in the composition of this ecosystem.
Why is the home microbiome important?
Exposure to the home microbiome can have both positive and negative effects on our health. On the positive side, microbial diversity helps strengthen the immune system, especially during childhood. According to the hygiene hypothesis, early exposure to a variety of microbes can train the immune system to better distinguish between real and harmless threats. This exposure can reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and autoimmune diseases such as asthma, eczema, and multiple sclerosis.
However, the negative impact should not be underestimated. Environments with poor ventilation and high humidity levels can promote the growth of harmful pathogens. Especially in humid places, mold and other microbes can cause respiratory problems. Poor ventilation can even exacerbate the spread of diseases such as Covid-19.
How does urban living affect the home microbiome?
Urbanization significantly alters the microbiome we are exposed to. People who live in urban areas have contact with fewer microbial species than those who live in rural areas. This can result in a less diverse gut microbiome, which interferes with communication between the gut and the brain, a factor that can contribute to mental health problems such as depression.
The gut-brain axis is the communication channel that the gut microbiome uses to influence mood and cognitive function. Reductions in microbial diversity can compromise this channel, highlighting the importance of maintaining environments that promote healthy microbial diversity even in urban areas.
Healthier spaces
In the face of this, there is growing interest in architecture and design that promotes a healthy microbiome. Some strategies include the use of natural materials, such as wood, and ventilation systems that maximize microbial diversity. Additionally, buildings can be designed with “living walls”composed of plants and microorganisms and building materials enriched with beneficial bacterial spores.
Other promising approaches include using probiotic cleaning products that introduce beneficial microbes into the environment and incorporating houseplants that not only purify the air but also promote a diverse microbial community. These initiatives aim to reduce the amount of harmful microbes while promoting colonization by beneficial microbes.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.