Do you wear your outdoor shoes indoors?
Scientists are warning that our favourite heels or runners could be an illness waiting to happen.
Research conducted by microbiologists at the University of Arizona has found that we're bringing dangerous germs into our homes through the soles of our shoes.
Study participants were given a new pair of shoes for two weeks, and researchers discovered that within a fortnight, 440,000 units of bacteria had attached themselves to the soles.
The harmful microbes included E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia ficaria (which cause respiratory and urinary tract infections).
Microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba explained that the E.coli comes from one specific source:
"The common occurrence of coliform and E. coli bacteria on the outside of the shoes indicates frequent contact with fecal material, which most likely originates from floors in public restrooms or contact with animal fecal material outdoors."
Yes, we're dragging other people's poop into our homes. Eww!
Dr Gerba warned that this could affect the health of young children who often put their hands in their mouth after playing on the floor.
He advised to keep our houses cleaner and safer with a no-shoes rule.
