Introduction to Aerobiology

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Abstract
This chapter introduces the study of airborne microorganisms and their by-products, discusses indoor and anthropogenic outdoor sources of airborne microorganisms that affect human health and the environment, reviews the association of bioaerosols and indoor environmental quality, presents background information on airborne microorganisms as potential bioterrorism agents and describes categories of microbial agents common within bioaerosols. Subsequent chapters in this volume are focused on specific topics concerning airborne microorganisms including sampling methods, analysis, fate and transport, fungi and mycotoxins, bacteria and endotoxins, Legionellae, viruses and agricultural pathogens. Interest in the populations of airborne microorganisms in agricultural and industrial settings, health care facilities, residences, offices, and classroom environments has increased in recent years. The threat of purposeful release of microorganisms as bioterrorism agents has prompted renewed interest in aerobiology, and research activity in this area of environmental microbiology has rapidly expanded.