Be careful when washing your hands: soap dispensers could be germ -polluted!

Be careful when washing your hands: soap dispensers could be germ -polluted!

soap dispensers should protect us from bacteria and diseases, but new knowledge from a current study put this faith to the test. Instead of keeping your hands clean, you could turn out to be broods for germs, especially in public institutions. A team of scientists from the University of Rhein-Waal took a close look at 104 soap dispensers from German hotel rooms and has come to alarming results.

The examination presented as part of the WDR test program "Service time" showed that 70.2 percent of the soap dispensers tested are contaminated with a pumping system with bacteria. In contrast, the so -called press dispensers, which consist of more hygienic bottles and are activated by simply pressing, were only affected in 10.6 percent of the cases. This raises serious questions about hygiene in dealing with soap dispensers.

studies and their shocking results

Dirk Bockmühl, microbiologist and co-author of the study, commented on the worrying results and emphasized that conventional soap dispensers in many cases represent a high risk for users. Among the discovered contaminants were yeast, mold and the dangerous bacterial genre Pluralibacter, which can lead to serious infections.

These special bacteria are particularly problematic for people with a weakened immune system, such as older people or pregnant women. The possibility of infection with pluralibacter can also lead to dangerous diseases such as blood poisoning. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, such outbreaks are rare in healthy people, but there is still a health risk.

safety factors for soap donors

The main culprit for the high contamination rate seems to be the pumping mechanism of the soap dispensers. In particular, models with a valve that requires an air supply to prevent a vacuum can guide water and bacteria into the system. Alternatives such as soap dispensers with wider, closed systems could be a solution because they are better protected from contamination.

Bockmühl recommends relying on closed systems in private households. These constructions ensure that no water gets into the bottle via the valve, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination. Although soap pieces may be considered more hygienic, the main aspect remains the construction of the container.

The Geo Magazin also points out that increased hygiene in the use of soap dispensers and the associated construction is required. Consumers should be aware that the price of a soap dispenser is not the decisive factor for its hygiene, but rather affect its draft and material the risk of contamination. Some soap dispensers for babies are also provided with safe constructions that ensure additional protection.