Shower curtain health warning

NZoom ^ | Feb 19, 2004 | AAP

[yonif]

An invisible, trillions-strong, hoard of microbes may have set up camp in your shower, a scientist is warning.

The bathroom bugs could present a threat to health, especially for vulnerable people with weak immune systems, says Professor Norman Pace, from the University of Colorado.

Just one square inch of the average used vinyl shower curtain could harbour billions of the "soap scum" organisms, he says.

Every time the shower is turned on, water hitting the curtain throws up clouds of bacteria which could fly into the lungs and any open wounds.

Pace discovered the bacteria's hiding place after testing four shower curtains at his laboratory in Boulder, US for genetic fingerprints.

He told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Seattle: "Soap scum on your shower curtain is a lush bed of microbes. It contains quite robust micro-organisms that can survive for a long time.

"When you turn the shower on, as the water hits the shower curtain it stirs up all those micro-organisms, and you become enmeshed in an aerosol effect."

The scummy films were potential reservoirs of pathogens - harmful bugs especially dangerous to people whose immune systems were not working at full strength.

They should wash their shower curtains every day to avoid a bacterial onslaught, says Pace. A better solution is to fit a glass door which is easier to clean and harder for bacteria to stick to.

"These microbes are all around us, and we've got to be aware of them because they can become a threat," says the professor.

Particularly abundant are two types of bacteria called Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, which are known to harbour sickness-causing bugs.

The same microbes can also be found on kitchen sponges and cloths, says Pace. He says these should be rinsed and allowed to dry after each use and frequently replaced.

A second study conducted by the team at an indoor swimming pool and hot tub found a plethora of microbes in the air just above the water. The bacteria content of the air here was enriched by up to 60%.

Pace says there may be a connection with a disease called Lifeguard Lung which sometimes afflicts pool workers.

"These findings are a bit scary," he says. "The bottom line is people should be aware of the risk of swimming in indoor pools or sitting in indoor hot tubs."

A similar hazard is posed by a bug called Microbial Avian Complex, or MAC, which is commonly found in potting soil. It essentially works the same way as pool pathogens, but infect indoor gardeners.

[Lunatic Fringe]

[edeal]

I can believe it, my shower curtain is a premordial stew of primitive life.

This story though reminds me of those late night commercials for tooth brush disinfectors. I think living in a compltely sterile environment is more harmful than a natural one.

[Excuse_Me]

This could be series. In fact, I am sure it is hugh! I recommend that if you are hit by one of these microbe swarms that you immediately take a shower to wash it off! In fact, I am going to do that now, so please someone keep me updated on these series events!

[Temple Owl]

Did this come from Onion? Taking showers should be good for one's health.

[angkor]

KRAMER: Jerry, look how tense you are.. You need to take a soak.

JERRY: I'm not taking a soak in that human bacteria frappe you got goin' there.

KRAMER: Come on, I'm tellin' you, it's great. I opened up all the windows.. the air is cold, the tub is boiling hot.. It's like Sweden, man. Sweeeeden!

[Prime Choice]

Okay, 'fess up...who let the hypochondriac out of his cell?

[Temple Owl]

ping

[Batrachian]

I'm not worried. My showers all have glass doors.

[muawiyah]

Should we allow the fungi to eat the bacteria?

[PeteFromMontana]

We're all doomed

[NetValue]

"Just one square inch of the average used vinyl shower curtain could harbour billions of the "soap scum" organisms, he says."

Good God! Not the dreaded soap-scum organism.

[Mr. Mojo]

We're all doomed

Yep

[NetValue]

"Just one square inch of the average used vinyl shower curtain could harbour billions of the "soap scum" organisms, he says."

Good God! Not the dreaded soap-scum organism.

[Cold Heat]

AAAAAAAACCCCCCHHHHHHHHKKKKKKKKKKKK!

[Fiddlstix]

This could be series. In fact, I am sure it is hugh!.....

Yes!
We're Doomed!
Doomed I say!

[Mygirlsmom]

Then the French must be near-immortal.

[CindyDawg]

If you take a shower every day and the water hits the curtain then aren't you already washing the curtain daily? :')_

[Tribune7]

The people of France are cheering this report.

[KevinDavis]

I wonder what is the next big scare????