Scientists have discovered that common items used by billions of people around the world contain dirty secrets. A new study found that the trunk wheels carry 40 times more bacteria than ordinary bucket seats, making it the most severely stained item when traveling.
Daily email report, the research team tested ten suitcases at the London airport pick-up station, and wiped them with cotton swabs from the wheels, shell boxes and the bottom of the hard case; it was found that each coated wheel was carrying hundreds of communities of bacteria and fungi, far exceeding the number found in the toilet. These bacteria are related to food poisoning, infections and even respiratory problems.
The test room showed that there were 400 bacterial communities every three square centimeters of the suitcase wheel, which was nearly 40 times dirty than the 10 bacterial communities in ordinary bucket seats.
Researchers pointed out that a shell suitcase is worse than a hard shell suitcase because the fabric will absorb moisture and stains, causing bacteria to form. What is even more disturbing is that many passengers will unconsciously place these mushroomed luggage wheels directly on the hotel bed, table or clothes rack when unloading their luggage.
Researchers observed under microscopes and found that there were thick bacteria and bacterial flora on the wiped cotton swabs, including human or animal stool remnants, black thyroid spores and dandruff microorganisms.
According to federal data, about 2.9 million people travel to airports every day, greatly increasing the risk of these bacteria spreading to families and hotels across the country. Amy-May Pointer, a microbiologist who led the study, said that suitcases, especially wheels and bottoms, are bacterial attractors that can even surpass horse barrels.
The colony-forming units (CFU) referred to by scientists refers to how many bacterial communities are on the surface. The study also shows that there are about 350 CFUs per three square centimeters of the suitcase base.
The research team also took the baggage recommendations that thousands of passengers were contacted every day and found that their bacteria were 40 times that of the barrel.
Among the microorganisms detected in ventricular testing, there is a type of Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common skin bacteria. If it enters the wound or dyes food, dangerous bacteria will form.
In addition, Serratia coliformis was also found, a bacteria that grows in damp places such as bathrooms, especially in hospitals, which can easily cause urine and wound infections; followed by cystospores, a heat-resistant bacteria commonly seen in soil and floors, which are related to food poisoning.
ventricular testing also found nigra and cyanobacteria, which usually grow outdoors or on the floor and are known to cause allergies and respiratory problems.
And the most worrying thing is the existence of cystella bacteria, which is a marker for stool staining. The appearance of the cystellae suggests that the recommended car wheels are likely to pass through the hand washing room, dirty sidewalks, and even get bird-drawn.
Point believes that the key is that microorganisms are very diverse, reflecting the fact that the suitcase has been to many places; this further enhances the importance of allowing luggage to move away from clean surfaces such as beds and occasionally performs deep cleaning.
experts say that even though these bacteria don't necessarily cause disease by themselves, they form a layer of dirty film that can easily spread, especially when the suitcase is placed on a hotel bed or carpet at home. Experts recommend that you never put your suitcase on the bed, be sure to put it on the luggage rack or on the floor, so as not to cause more stains.
Point said that rubbing the wheels and base of the suitcase with a disinfectant rag or soap cloth can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria. This small step prevents the bacteria on the floor of the outer shelter to the home (and on the bed). Sometimes, you can also perform deep cleaning of your suitcase regularly.
This study does not directly point out that suitcases are fatal, but it shows that suitcases are one of the sources of stains that are easily overlooked in daily life. Point said the way to prevent the suitcase from being dragged over an apparently dirty area: for example, do not drag the suitcase into the toilet. She said that the less severe the wheels are, the less you need to worry in the future.