We all know the soles of our shoes aren’t exactly squeaky clean, but we weren’t aware just how gross they really were. And now that we do we're officially never wearing shoes in the house again.
A study carried out by the scientists at the University of Arizona has revealed that the outside of our shoes contain 421,000 units of bacteria including Escherichia coli, known to cause intestinal and urinary tract infections, meningitis and diarrheal disease, and Klebsiella pneumonia, a common source for wound and bloodstream infections.
Eeek.
And even more disgusting is that bacteria from poo was discovered on 96% of shoes tested.
“The common occurrence (96 percent) of coliform and E. coli bacteria on the outside of the shoes indicates frequent contact with fecal material, which most likely originates from floors in public restrooms or contact with animal fecal material outdoors,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, “Our study also indicated that bacteria can be tracked by shoes over a long distance into your home or personal space after the shoes were contaminated with bacteria.”
However, it's pretty easy to get rid of the bacteria. Simply washing the shoes with a detergent can reduce it by 90% or more.
On the bright side it’s a good excuse to buy some new fluffy slippers!
