Study Shows Bathroom Sink is More Contaminated Than the Toilet

A recent study undertaken by the bacteria testing department at BioCote shows that bacteria dont always thrive in the places we would expect. BioCote took multiple samples from objects and surfaces in a public disabled toilet and tested them for  levels of bacteria and mold.

Most people would assume that the toilet seat would be right at the top of the list for high levels of contamination but although it is in the top 5, the level of bacteria found on it was equal to that found on the hand rail and the tap. Topping the list was the sink itself which showed more than 1,000 colony forming units (CFUs).

Dr. Richard Hastings, technical director at BioCote, notes, "In many cases germs are spread via touch so  we can see that objects touched after people have used the toilet, but before they have washed their hands can be just as contaminated."

The other interesting results were the levels of bacteria found on the less obvious objects and surfaces such as the floor, the wall and the underneath of the toilet. As Hastings explains, "This is probably because people only tend to clean the areas they can see, and the areas where they expect the bugs to grow. Unfortunately bacteria and mould can be found everywhere and they will just keep multiplying. We know most rooms are full of germs and although they may not necessarily be harmful, the higher the count, the greater the risk of illness."

The only object in the bathroom on which no traces of bacteria or mold were found was the soap dispenser incorporating BioCote antimicrobial technology. BioCote have created an interactive visual representation of the results on its website at: www.biocote.com/bathroom/.

BioCote is aprovider of antimicrobial additives and support. BioCote antimicrobial technology can be incorporated into every day products via additives and coatings to protect against microbes, reducing levels of bacteria and mould by up to 99.9 percent. Their microbiological division also  undertakes microbiological analysis research for customers around the world.

Source: BioCote