Breaking News: You Absolutely Need To Stop Wearing Shoes In Your House To Prevent This Newly Discovered Disease
Most of us never think twice about walking into our homes with our shoes on. It is a habit so ingrained that it seems completely harmless. But researchers are now saying that wearing outdoor shoes inside your home could be seriously damaging your health and the health of your family.
What Are You Tracking In?
Studies have found that the average shoe sole carries over 420,000 different bacteria. Some of these bacteria are extremely dangerous including E. coli, which can cause severe intestinal infections, and Clostridium difficile, a bacteria that causes life-threatening diarrhea and is resistant to many antibiotics.
A study from the University of Houston found that 39% of shoes tested carried C. difficile on their soles. This bacteria can survive on floors for months and is particularly dangerous for children who crawl and play on the floor.
It Gets Worse
Shoes also track in:
- Pesticides and lawn chemicals from outdoor surfaces
- Heavy metals from road surfaces and parking lots
- Fecal matter from public restrooms and sidewalks
- Pollen and other allergens
- Toxic dust particles from roads and construction sites
Research from Baylor University found traces of the toxic chemical coal tar on shoe soles, which has been linked to cancer.
The Floor to Mouth Risk
Children are at the greatest risk. Babies and toddlers spend most of their time on the floor. They touch the floor constantly and then put their hands in their mouths. Whatever is on your floor goes directly into your child's body.
What You Should Do
The solution is simple. Remove your shoes at the door. Every single time. Keep a shoe rack or basket near the entrance for easy compliance. Consider keeping a pair of indoor slippers by the door for guests.
This one simple habit change can dramatically reduce the amount of bacteria, chemicals, and toxins that enter your home. Your family's health is worth it.
What Are You Tracking In?
Studies have found that the average shoe sole carries over 420,000 different bacteria. Some of these bacteria are extremely dangerous including E. coli, which can cause severe intestinal infections, and Clostridium difficile, a bacteria that causes life-threatening diarrhea and is resistant to many antibiotics.
A study from the University of Houston found that 39% of shoes tested carried C. difficile on their soles. This bacteria can survive on floors for months and is particularly dangerous for children who crawl and play on the floor.
It Gets Worse
Shoes also track in:
- Pesticides and lawn chemicals from outdoor surfaces
- Heavy metals from road surfaces and parking lots
- Fecal matter from public restrooms and sidewalks
- Pollen and other allergens
- Toxic dust particles from roads and construction sites
Research from Baylor University found traces of the toxic chemical coal tar on shoe soles, which has been linked to cancer.
The Floor to Mouth Risk
Children are at the greatest risk. Babies and toddlers spend most of their time on the floor. They touch the floor constantly and then put their hands in their mouths. Whatever is on your floor goes directly into your child's body.
What You Should Do
The solution is simple. Remove your shoes at the door. Every single time. Keep a shoe rack or basket near the entrance for easy compliance. Consider keeping a pair of indoor slippers by the door for guests.
This one simple habit change can dramatically reduce the amount of bacteria, chemicals, and toxins that enter your home. Your family's health is worth it.