| There are a variety of bacteria, which can cause | | | | also build up on the air and water filters that are |
| immediate illness when ingested from | | | | designed to remove impurities from these climate |
| contaminated drinking water. These illnesses can | | | | control systems. |
| range from mild to moderate cases lasting only a | | | | Each home is a unique, dynamic environment. |
| few days, to more severe situations that can last | | | | Microbial concentrations are greatly determined by |
| for weeks or even result in death for those with | | | | the inhabitants and their habits. Generally, when |
| weak immune systems (most notably the very | | | | homes are sealed up because of heating and/or |
| young and the very old). Those who rely on a | | | | cooling, they are more prone to microbial |
| public water supply system which is tested | | | | contamination problems. Places like heating/AC |
| regularly must still be concerned about what | | | | ducts and air filters become areas of microbial |
| happens to their water after it is tested and must | | | | concentration. Water supplies can become |
| make its way to their home and through their | | | | contaminated, especially well water. Additionally, |
| home piping system. Home owners with their own | | | | water filters can readily become hot beds of |
| wells are solely responsible for the quality and | | | | microbial growth. Human eating and hygiene habits |
| safety of their water and must do a water test | | | | can promote microbial growth, so the kitchen and |
| at least twice a year. Travelers to foreign | | | | bathrooms can develop high microbial |
| countries often experience problems with drinking | | | | concentrations. The following is a list of suggested |
| water ("Montezuma's Revenge") and hikers and | | | | places to test in and around the house: |
| campers should be concerned about natural | | | | Drinking water |
| waters. Even boaters and RVers should | | | | Shower/washing water (chemical presence) |
| periodically check their water supply systems for | | | | Heating/AC ducts |
| contamination. | | | | Air and water filters |
| According to the EPA, some people spend as | | | | Food |
| much as 90% of their time indoors where | | | | Kitchen sinks, counters and food prep areas |
| pollution levels can be far greater than outdoors. | | | | Bathroom surfaces |
| Indoor air pollution is estimated to cause | | | | Small child play areas and toys |
| thousands of deaths due to cancer and lung | | | | Pet areas |
| disease and hundreds of thousands of respiratory | | | | Entrance areas from grass or soil areas |
| disorders such as asthma. Milder symptoms | | | | Hobby areas: fish tanks, birdcages, etc. |
| include runny noses, coughing, bronchial congestion | | | | Areas where people have been sick |
| and eye irritation. Dangerous microbes can build up | | | | Bedding and bedding storage areas |
| in heating and air conditioning ducts throughout the | | | | Suspicious food, caught and/or killed food: |
| house without you knowing it. Ironically, they can | | | | deer, fish, etc. |