Have you ever thought that breathing difficulties may be caused by the invisible germs that inhabit all our homes? In our busy everyday lives I don’t suppose that we are even aware of the invisible germ warfare going on all around us in our homes. And the bugs and bacteria are exactly where you don’t expect them to be.

I am sure that if you are an asthma sufferer or are finding it hard to breathe at various times, you will be aware of the need to keep your home scrupulously clean. We all know about dust mites in the bedroom for example, but while we all rigorously clean our baths and toilets, I doubt whether many of us pay much heed to those unsuspected areas in our homes which are breeding grounds for bacteria and may be causing breathing problems to us all, particularly those with chest or lung complaints.

Hard to breathe – hidden causes

So where are the areas we should be cleaning? You may be surprised at the list below.

Bath Plughole – the average bath plughole is surrounded by microbes. There are about 8 times more bacteria there, in a soapy slime, than will be found in a typical kitchen sink.

Computer Keyboards – Research has found that the average keyboard is alive with bacteria, more in fact than on a typical toilet seat. In a survey of 33 keyboards 4 carried staphylococcus and E.coli germs and 1 was so filthy it was quarantined. Keyboards are great dust attracters and that fact, combined with people eating at their desks and dropping crumbs or failing to wash their hands makes keyboards a major contributor to breathing problems.

Carpets and Rugs – Carpets provide the perfect home for a whole range of bacteria which vacuum cleaners struggle to pick up. Allergy creating dust mites and their feces, together with human skin cells, can trigger breathing problems.

Vacuum Cleaners-In a University of Arizona study of vacuum cleaner brushes, 50% contained fecal bacteria, and 13% the E.coli bug. Brushes and attachments should be disinfected after each use.

Airing Cupboards – Their warm environment provide the ideal breeding conditions for germs. Make sure that wherever possible you leave laundry to dry outside in the fresh air. Sunlight kills most microbes. Our mother’s had it right with their washing lines in the back yard.

Toothbrushes – A study by University of Manchester discovered that the average toothbrush contained 10 million germs including staphylococci and streptococcus. Change your toothbrush every 3 months.

Dishcloths and kitchen sponges – An average dishcloth contains about 130,000 bacteria per square inch according to the U.S. Centre for Disease Control. Most experts believe that contamination from cloths, wipes and sponges is the main cause of food poisoning in the home.

Work Surfaces – The average work surface is the biggest surprise, being actually dirtier than the average toilet seat or rubbish bin. Read the rest of this entry »