Biofilms can cause serious problems. For example, when pathogens form biofilms attached to medical implants, they can be the cause of recurring infections. People with cystic fibrosis are particularly vulnerable to biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that form in their lungs.
Biofilms are also problematic in industry. When biofilms of iron-oxidizing microorganisms form on steel surface, they can cause corrosion. Biofilms also can clog pipes and moving parts, something that is termed biofouling.  The image below provides two examples each of pathogenic and biofouling films.

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