What dangers surround people in home conditions? The experts from Barts and The London Hospital warn that even at home one is not protected from harmful bacteria. They are everywhere: under the rim of the lavatory pan, on the furniture, pillows, cutting boards, tooth-brushes, and inside the footwear… But let us discuss those health risks step by step.
Wooden cutting boards
First of all, the experts advise to get rid of wooden cutting boards. Wood is a more porous material if to compare it with plastic, glass or iron. According to John Oxford, professor of virology in Barts and The London Hospital, it is thus much easier for bacteria (mostly intestinal bacilli) to reproduce in wood. Plastic cutting boards also appear to be under ban. The experiment has shown that one board hosts 50 times more bacteria than those found under the rim of the lavatory pan. That is why one should not disdain cleaners and disinfectant sprays.
Plastic cutting boards
While cutting vegetables and meet, bacteria can be communicated to the plastic surface, and vice versa – to the products. As soon as cuts appear on the plastic cutting board, one should get rid of it.
Tooth-brushes
Tooth-brushes can even lead to serious diseases, such as arthritis and heart attack. The research conducted by the University of Manchester showed that a usual tooth-brush is home to about ten million bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci, and fungi. The scientists advise to change the toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Towels
The situation with towels is similar. They are to be laundered at the temperature of 90 degrees or more to be disinfected.
Pillows
A pillow is another enemy of people’s health. Dust and bacteria can provoke fever, eczema, and asthma, as Professor Jean Amberline from the British Society for Allergy says. According to her, it is better to change a pillow every two years.
Source of the image: Photl.
