Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Occupational Farm Work Activities Influence Workers' Indoor Home Microbiome
Kathryn R Dalton1, Mikyeong Lee1, Ziyue Wang2
1Genomics and the Environment in Respiratory and Allergic Health Group, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, USA.
Farm work tasks and pesticide use significantly alter the indoor dust microbiome in farmers' homes. These occupational exposures can impact the health of farm workers and their families by modifying the home microbial environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
- Indoor built environment
Background:
- Farm work involves diverse exposures impacting farmer health.
- The indoor microbiome may mediate health effects of farming exposures.
- The influence of occupational exposures on home microbial composition is largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Specific farm activities and pesticide exposures demonstrably impact the indoor dust microbiome.
- Occupational farm exposures may affect worker and family health via indoor environmental modifications.
- Findings suggest potential targets for future health interventions in agricultural settings.
Related Concept Videos
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry

