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Significance of Microorganisms Air

	Significance of Microorganisms in Air - As long as microorganisms remain in the air they are of little importance. When they come to rest they may develop and become beneficial or harmful. Knowledge of the microorganisms in air is of importance in several aspects. Food manufacture:Microorganisms that have been transporated through the air and have settled on, or in, the material are involved in various fermentation products. Production of alcoholic beverages, vinegar, sauerkraut, ensilage, dairy products, etc., are often due to microbial activity.
Spoilage of foods and fermentation products:Microorganisms are often troublesome in the home and in industry where foods and other fermentation products are prepared. In industrial processes, where particular organisms are to be grown, to supply sterile air free from contaminating organisms is a considerable problem. Airborne diseases:There are two main sources of microorganisms in air. These are saprophytic soil organisms raised as dust, and organisms from body tissues introduced into the air during coughing, sneezing talking, and singing.
Most dust particles laden with microorganisms are relatively large and tend to settle rapidly. Droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, etc consist of sativa and mucus, and each of them may contain thousands of microorganisms. Most droplets are large, and, like dust, tend to settle rapidly. Some droplets are of such size that complete evaporation occurs in a warm, dry climate, and before they reach the floor quickly become droplet nuclei. These are small and light, and may float about for a relatively long period.
Airborne diseases are transmitted by two types of droplets, depending upon their size. (1) Droplet infection proper applies to, droplets larger than 100 µm in diameter. (2) The other type may be called airborne infection, and applies to dried residues of droplets. Droplet infection remains localized and concentrated, whereas airborne infection may be carried long distances arid is dilute.

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