These microscopic living organisms include bacteria; fungi, such as mold spores; dust mites; viruses; and algae. While not all microorganisms are harmful to humans, bacteria are capable of causing health effects such as allergic reactions, respiratory disorders, hypersensitivity and/or infectious diseases. Viruses are the cause of certain illnesses and disease. The by-products of fungi and dust mites are also capable of causing allergic reactions.

 

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Bacteria and other microbes are also the source of many bad odors. In the process of feeding on organic matter such as urine, body fluids and other waste, microbes may release unpleasant-smelling gases into the air.

Beneficial bacteria are being harnessed to clean without the use of harmful chemicals.  Since microbes eat organic matter by releasing enzymes, friendly microbes are powerful allies in cleaning restrooms, removing pet urine from deep inside carpet, keeping drains running free, and even removing spots from your laundry.

While live microbes (spore forms) are used in carpet spotters and drain cleaners, laundry detergents only use the non-living enzymes harvested from the microbes.

Technical definitions of the different kinds of microbes appear elsewhere in HC-Pedia. See the entries Bacteria; Disinfectant; Fungus; and Virus.