The molecular impact of life in an indoor environment

The chemistry of indoor surfaces and the role of microbes in shaping and responding to that chemistry are largely unexplored. We found that, over 1 month, people's presence and activities profoundly reshaped the chemistry of a house. Molecules associated with eating/cooking, bathroom use, and personal care were found throughout the entire house, while molecules associated with medications, outdoor biocides, and microbially derived compounds were distributed in a location-dependent manner. The house and its microbial occupants, in turn, also introduced chemical transformations such as oxidation and transformations of foodborne molecules. The awareness of and the ability to observe the molecular changes introduced by people should influence future building designs.

Automated summary

The chemistry of indoor surfaces and the role of microbes in shaping and responding to that chemistry are not well understood. A study found that people's presence and activities significantly alter the chemistry of a house over a span of one month. Different molecules associated with various daily activities are found throughout the house, while others are distributed in a location-dependent manner. The study also highlighted the chemical transformations introduced by both the house and its microbial occupants, which should be taken into consideration for future building designs.