An American study highlights the dangers of sharing the bathroom and the toilet in the same room …
For practical reasons, it is not uncommon to find the sanitary facilities in the bathroom. According to scientists from the University of Quinnipac (United States), this idea would be more than bad since the individuals who share the room would have a 60% risk of using a toothbrush containing fecal matter.
According to the study that will be presented at the General Assembly of the American Society for Microbiology, this would occur regardless of how the toothbrush is rinsed.
Responsible flushing
The researchers analyzed toothbrushes taken from homes occupied by an average of 9 residents. If the majority of these utensils have been contaminated, the study puts forward a figure that will disgust more than one: 80% of the feces found on toothbrushes are not those of their owner. In fact, the explanation is very simple. When the toilet is flushed, microparticles are released and will land all over the room.
“The main idea of this study was not to show the presence of our own fecal matter on our own toothbrush, but to show that when our brush is contaminated with the feces of other people, they contain bacteria. , viruses and parasites which do not belong to our normal flora ”, explains Lauren Aber, principal author of the study and student at the University of Quinnipac (United States).
Indeed, brushing your teeth with a brush infected with foreign fecal matter can have consequences: eczema, diarrhea, ear infections and many other disorders are to be put on the list of potential risks.
Only one possible solution …
Thinking of getting away with a toothbrush cover? Very bad idea since, according to the researchers, these plastic shelters would be a favorable environment for the development of bacteria since they prevent the hairs from drying out. “Better hygiene is recommended, especially for roommates,” confirms Lauren Aber. Simply lower the flapper when the toilet is flushed!
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