I can understand having scuzzy bacteria-ridden dishes getting one sick, but what about bacteria in the rest of the house? Does anyone actually ever really get sick from bacteria on bathroom counter tops, or coffee tables? We get sick from viruses from outside the house. Why the rant over anti-bacterial this and anti-bacterial that? Seems like with bacterial resistance these days it's a good idea to leave these little harmless friends alone.
2007-09-03 04:07:35 · 4 answers · asked by Peter N 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The problem isn't so much "too many bacteria" but "what kind of bacteria".
Most bacteria are harmless, or even beneficial: for example there are millions of bacteria in your intestines. In fact, there are more bacterial cells in your body than your own, and more E.coli in your intestines than there are people in the world. If you take a course of antibiotics, it often gives you diarrhoea, because it disrupts your "intestinal fauna", and messes-up the different populations of bacteria there ... so your intestines don't work properly for a while.
I have a particular dislike of those adverts that warn you there are more bacteria on your chopping-board than your toilet seat. There might well be - but the ones on your toilet seat are more likely to be harmful. There is a *reason* why we have evolved to dislike the smell of sh*t!
There is also the theory that we are weakening our immune systems by bleaching-away all these bacteria. Better to have an occasional stomach-upset, but a strong immune system than to be perfectly healthy until we catch something truly life-threatening.
2007-09-03 04:25:24 · answer #1 · answered by gribbling 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
> Is Bacteria in the House Really That Bad
Generally no. If you have a can that's bulging at the ends, don't eat the contents, LOL. Also, don't eat meat that smells bad or food that is visibly rotting.
> bathroom counter tops, or coffee tables
Nope. I don't make a habit of licking wet bathroom counter tops and coffee tables. Keep it dry, and you'll be fine.
2007-09-03 14:51:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems pretty clear that cleaning with normal soap and water works as well as anything. And, we don't have to go overboard. After all, humans evolved living with all kinds of bacteria and viruses and our immune systems are usually perfectly able to handle the normal stuff.
My personal opinion is that carpet is bad. It not only provides habitat for all kinds of things even with the most meticulous vacuuming and it also seems to me that the current plague of asthma started when fire retardant stuff started to be put in carpet. I know when I am in a room with new carpet I start sneezing and have to leave.
2007-09-03 11:42:46 · answer #3 · answered by Joan H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is true that some bacteria do help and do good things. millions live in your body protecting you, but a clean house is a healthy house. you don't have to go crazy or anything, but a regular cleaning will keep everyone healthier in some ways. some bacteria everywhere are what start those viruses in the first place, so be sure to clean (not crazy!!) but to nonetheless clean especially when someone in the house is sick
2007-09-03 11:16:19 · answer #4 · answered by MB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋