Microbiomes of the built environment

Microbiomes of the built environment means the microscopic living things (like bacteria and fungi) that live in and on buildings and other structures like roads, bridges, and tunnels. This is different than the germs that make us sick because the microbiomes in the built environment aren't made up of germs that cause illness. Instead, they are helpful microbes that help clean the air, break down rubbish, and help keep things like roads from getting damaged.