Dropping a rubber duck into a bathtub to play is more dangerous than you think

Toy rubber ducks that you often "swim" in the bath are "portable bacteria drives".

Curiosity of science is no limit. A group of US and Swiss researchers have teamed up to discover the "dark side" of rubber ducks and rubber toys that you often drop into a bathtub every day.

Any kind of rubber toy dropped into the bathtub has the potential to contain bacteria.

In the results of the study published recently, Swiss researchers claim that any type of rubber toy dropped into the bathtub has the potential to contain bacteria and molds.

Bacteria and molds thrive inside rubber ducks and rubber or rubber toys. In particular, they can be a source of spreading bacteria when children squeeze and play with toys.

According to ScienceDaily, the study is a result of cooperation between the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) and the University. Swiss Federal University and University. Illinois, USA.

Scientists have done many experiments with toys by dropping them into the bath, simulating everyday situations in many families.

Over 11 weeks, they brought these toys to clean. The results were quite surprising when they found a lot of dirt accumulated from bath water, soap bubbles or even substances from the human body.

The dirt accumulates from bath water, soap bubbles or even substances from the human body inside rubber ducks.

Inside the rubber duck is a very toxic nest of bacteria and mold for both children and adults

Even after cutting the toys and microscopic examination, the scientists discovered about 5-75 million molecules of impurities / cm ² , of which nearly 60% of the toys were dropped into the bath. found mold.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria also account for 80% of rubber toy models, including Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These two rod-shaped bacteria are all major culprits leading to many dangerous infections.

Normally tap water for bathing has low nutrient concentration, making it difficult to create conditions for bacteria and mold to grow. However, according to the analysis, it is the warm water that is sucked into the toy (mainly made from low-quality polymer materials) that releases organic carbon compounds, facilitating nourishment for bacteria.

Besides, other important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and bacteria from the human body also infect inside the toy while taking a bath. These compounds may emit urine, sweat or skin care personal care products.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria also account for 80% of samples of rubber toys.

These favorable factors inadvertently make bacteria and mold easily appear from inside rubber ducks or toys that you still put into the bath everyday.

Microbiological researcher Frederik Hammes said: "Although exposure to bacteria and mold can make the immune system work more efficiently. But it can also cause many eye and ear diseases or even gastrointestinal infections ".

Should we continue to use these types of rubber toys?The answer is yes if they are made from high quality polymer rubber . In addition, users can plug the holes to prevent water from entering, enabling bacteria to grow.

In the past, the dangers of rubber toys to drop into the bathtub were discussed on many forums but not received the attention of everyone.