Health Aspects of Bioaerosols

Abstract

Bioaerosols have been defined as colloidal suspensions in air of liquid droplets or solid particles, containing, or having attached to them, one or more living organisms. These organisms include viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or algae. Bioaerosols may range in size from a single microorganism to large droplets containing many microorganisms. Microorganisms may also be attached to pollen grains, plant debris, skin flakes, and/or soil particles. Liquid droplets may change in size upon evaporation or condensation, which may or may not result in the loss of viability of the organism.