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If you think of air as a solution, it's dilute with mostly nitrogen, oxygen and small amount of carbon dioxide. Enter NTM type bacteria, from warm/hot shower via a home water heater. The experts say to dilute the bathroom air by opening a window, door, running an exhaust fan, reducing temp of water etc to decrease exposure to possible NTM. In other words, the air "solution" becomes more dilute. So, isn't that the same for the outdoors, one big dilute solution? (Assuming one doesn't stand over the steam coming off the landscape, breathe in over a bag of potting soil or dig in the bog etc?
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My experience in East Hawaii with humidity levels sometimes at 99% was the air was more like soup, there was no escaping breathing the moisture. It felt healthy at the time. Dr. Honda’s focus on volcanic emissions is interesting too, as our place was 12 miles from volcanic activity. Our household water was collected from rainwater, the norm for the area. I’m looking forward to more science on geology and NTM with a map for us non geologists.
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You said, "In other words, the air "solution" becomes more dilute. So, isn't that the same for the outdoors, one big dilute solution?"
Yes, to an extent that is true. Exposure to infectious elements is a combination of time and concentration. So my conjecture is that an occasional "walk in the woods" with relatively high exposure probably isn't very high risk, but living on the edge of the rain forest, with constant exposure over time would be more risky as one inhaled small doses over a long period.
The same with exposure to peat. If I was a "patio gardener" who potted up a few plants to
enjoy every summer, and there was some peat in the soil mix - low risk. But I am a "dirty rat" - playing in numerous pots, plots and beds every day, sometimes for hours. So if I dumped peat in with my soil mix, I would be highly exposed. I do wear a mask or stay away when the beds are being greatly disturbed by digging & dumping, but all my joy would evaporate in an instant if I had to be N-95 masked all day in the heat!
So we each need to figure this out for ourselves - what risk level am I comfortable with? I am kind of middle-of-the-road.
I don't have NTM in my home water, so no boiling, short showers, etc - low risk
I don't worry about water or ice when I'm out, I shower in hotels - I consider both low-risk because of short, infrequent exposure.
I do keep my nebbing and airway clearance super clean - that air is being inhaled deeply into my lungs daily - high risk.
And, with compromised lungs, I am not only concerned about NTM, but pseudomonas, influenza, RSV and pneumonia - so I mask in airplanes & close indoor crowds and get vaccinated - high risk.
What does anyone else do to stay safe? What risks do you accept to live a life you are happy in?
Sue