Bacteria, fungi and viruses can live and breed
where we live, endangering our health and quality of life.There is evidence that many communicable diseases,
such as hepatitis, and gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea and
upper respiratory diseases, are spread through contact with contaminated
environmental surfaces and inanimate objects. Although the risk of infection
in the home is lower than in a hospital, nursing home or day care center,
problems such as food poisoning, and illnesses such as the common cold can
result from bacteria and viruses found in households.Studies of the bacteria found in the home environment
suggest four major sites of potential household contamination: wet areas
(baths, sinks, toilets, drains and others), dry areas (floors, furniture,
linen, clothing and others), food and people. In many homes, bacteria can
also be found on animals (pets and farm animals) and on lawns and gardens
near the home. High bacteria counts are found mainly in wet areas associated
with sinks, baths, toilets and diaper pails. High bacteria counts are also
frequently recovered from washcloths, dishcloths and cleaning towels.While the battle against communicable diseases
is constant, society does have help. Along with medical breakthroughs in
drugs, vaccinations and surgical procedures, today’s society is equipped
with modern-day disinfectants. Various researchers have acknowledged that
disinfectants, applied to contaminated surfaces and objects, can play a
key role in reducing the spread of colds and other potentially infectious
diseases.Disinfection is an important way
to protect all family members from illness. Those with vulnerable immune
systems such as newborns and children, the elderly, and people with a serious
illness or recovering from hospitalization, are particularly vulnerable.
However household antimicrobial products can also protect healthy family
members from problems like food poisoning, the common cold or other transmittable
diseases.
