These plastic toys are not as innocent as they seem: according to a study conducted by Swiss and American researchers, they contain potentially pathogenic bacteria.
Rubber ducks are the favorite companions of little ones, and sometimes even older ones in the bath, and yet they can be dangerous to your health. According to Swiss and American researchers, these plastic toys can contain millions of bacteria. In their study, 4 out of 5 ducks analyzed contained potentially pathogenic germs.
Rubber ducks are a popular toys, but despite their pleasant and innocent appearance, researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Illinois have uncovered a less appealing aspect of these bath-time companions. They are full of bacteria. https://t.co/sAbW2vrrIK pic.twitter.com/etq5R1eqd8
—Micropia (@Micropia) April 12, 2018
Ducks placed in real conditions
The environment of our bathrooms is an ideal setting for bacteria and other fungi: it is hot and humid. Based on this observation, researchers from the Eawag Water Research Institute, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the University of Illinois conducted research on ducks that had already served . They collected the layer of biofilms present inside, and, in parallel, conducted tests on new ducks. For eleven weeks they were placed in bathroom-like conditions: one group was in clean water, the other was immersed in bath-like water, with sweat, soap residue, bacteria on the skin, etc.
Bacteria paradise
The results of their research may disgust you. On every square centimeter of plastic inside a duck, they found between 5 and 75 million cells. 80% of the ducks contained potentially pathogenic genes, such as legionella. Scientists have found that for bacteria and microbes, these plastic toys are a godsend. The rubber they are made of contains organic carbon, which is a food source for bacteria. People who bathe distribute bacteria and nutrients in the water which will accelerate the development of microbes.
Potentially dangerous bacteria
Contaminated plastic ducks can cause gastrointestinal problems, eye or ear irritation, especially when used by young, more fragile children. According to scientists, using better quality polymers to make ducks could prevent the development of bacteria and fungi. Before investing in bath ducks, it is therefore better to think twice.
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