biocontaminants
Harmful biological agents
Biocontaminants are living organisms or biological substances that pollute an environment where they're unwanted.
The term covers mold, bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander—anything organic that degrades air or water quality.
Indoor air quality discussions frequently mention biocontaminants: The building's ventilation system was spreading biocontaminants throughout the office.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
- protozoaSingle-celled eukaryotic organisms
prions · mold · spores · yeasts · biofilms · microbes · germs · pathogens
Toxic fungal metabolic byproducts
- endotoxinsToxins within bacterial membranes
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
- ricinToxic castor compound
Causes cancer
- mutagenicCausing permanent DNA changes
- teratogenicCausing fetal malformations
- neurotoxicDamaging to nervous system
- hepatotoxicDestructive to liver cells
nephrotoxic · immunotoxic · allergenic · pathogenic · cytotoxic · hemotoxic · respiratory illness · infection
Microscopic shed skin
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
- mold sporesReproductive fungal cells
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
Test using living tissue
- PCR testingGene sequence amplification method
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- swab testingGathering tissue for diagnosis
- biosensorsDevices detecting via biological reactions
Liquid refuse in drains
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
- fecal matterSolid intestinal waste
- bloodBody's oxygen carrier
- bodily fluidsLiquids produced by organisms
spoiled food · medical waste · animal waste · stagnant water · air ducts · HVAC systems · agricultural runoff · slaughterhouses
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
protozoa · prions · mold · spores · yeasts · biofilms · microbes · germs · pathogens · mycoplasma
mycotoxins
Toxic fungal metabolic byproducts
- endotoxinsToxins within bacterial membranes
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
- ricinToxic castor compound
carcinogenic
Causes cancer
- mutagenicCausing permanent DNA changes
- teratogenicCausing fetal malformations
- neurotoxicDamaging to nervous system
hepatotoxic · nephrotoxic · immunotoxic · allergenic · pathogenic · cytotoxic · hemotoxic · respiratory illness · infection · sensitization
dander
Microscopic shed skin
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
- mold sporesReproductive fungal cells
bioassay
Test using living tissue
- PCR testingGene sequence amplification method
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- swab testingGathering tissue for diagnosis
sewage
Liquid refuse in drains
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
- fecal matterSolid intestinal waste
- bloodBody's oxygen carrier
bodily fluids · spoiled food · medical waste · animal waste · stagnant water · air ducts · HVAC systems · agricultural runoff · slaughterhouses · cadavers
biocontaminantssterility
Absence of microbes or fertility
purity · sterile conditions · cleanliness · clean air · pure water
biocontaminantschemical pollutants
Harmful artificial substances released
heavy metals · industrial chemicals · petrochemicals · toxic chemicals · particulate matter
biocontaminantsprobiotics
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
beneficial microbes · beneficial bacteria · biofilters · microbiome
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