A British study emphasizes the importance of cleaning your car. Because, according to researchers, baby seats are twice as dirty as toilet bowls.
Just like a house or an apartment, a car maintains itself. Especially if you have small children. Indeed, a British study relayed by the Daily Mail indicates that infant car seats can be twice as dirty as a toilet.
Presence of E-coli bacteria and salmonella
Following an order from the tire company Continental, researchers at the University of Birmingham have scrutinized more than 20 cars and homes. The result: baby car seats contain 100 bacteria per square centimeter, compared to 50 for toilet bowls. Mark Griffith, safety expert for Continental, is not surprised. “A lot of motorists use their cars as their dumping ground,” he told the Daily Mail. Study author Dr. Krachler identified two types of bacteria: E. coli and salmonella. “These germs can easily be spread in a car that isn’t cleaned often, especially if you eat there or leave food and garbage in it. “
Infant car seats aren’t the only ones that stand out for their dirt. A British study, published a year ago, found that there are more germs on a console joystick than on a toilet seat. As for handbags, he would also beat the toilet bowl flatly.
Risk of severe dehydration
The toxins of salmonella and E.coli bacteria are responsible for food poisoning. They can cause a sharp flare-up of fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, as well as nausea and vomiting. The disease, of the gastroenteritis type, is generally not serious, but in more sensitive people (children, the elderly), serious complications can occur. It can in particular cause severe dehydration or even fatal.
In a survey carried out by Mondial Assistance in September 2012, only 40% of French people said they cleaned their car regularly. In the same survey, 25% said they did nothing in particular to keep their vehicle clean and in good condition.
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