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Sand on the beach is a dangerous source of contagion
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Summer is the time for vacations and most people spend their free time on rivers, lakes, and also go on vacation to the seaside.
But experts warn that sandy beaches are not as safe as they seem at first glance, they are a source of dangerous infections and pose a mortal danger to humans.
A group of experts conducted their research in Hawaii and as a result found that it is the sand on the beaches that is the source of many health problems.
Having taken samples of sand from the Hawaiian Islands, scientists noticed that it contains a huge number of pathogenic microorganisms (more than in water), in addition, the sun's heat creates a favorable environment for the life of bacteria and promotes active reproduction. Experts also found that pathogenic microorganisms can remain active in sand much longer than in other places.
Scientists have found dangerous bacteria such as E. coli in the sand, as well as other microorganisms that live in feces. As is known, such fecal remains decompose for a long time in the sand, but it is precisely due to the high temperature that the most favorable conditions are created for such bacteria.
Microorganisms can get from sand onto clothes, towels, hands, and then into the body.
It is for this reason that scientists urge vacationers to exercise maximum caution while relaxing on sandy beaches, thoroughly clean their clothes from sand, wash clothes and towels more often with antibacterial powders, and, of course, wash their hands.
Bacteria pose a particular danger to people with weak immune systems, such as small children and the elderly.
Experts warn that the high-risk group includes children who love to play in the sand, build castles, make Easter cakes, and bury themselves in the sand, which facilitates the easy penetration of pathogens into the body.
It is worth recalling that earlier, experts in one of their studies named fitness centers as the most common source of bacteria and viruses dangerous to human health. In the association of the society of microbiology of the USA, specialists assure that even one workout can cause serious damage to health.
As analyses have shown, the fabrics used for physical exercise contain a huge number of microbes, such pathogens get onto sports equipment, especially those used for contact sports, clothing, which significantly increases the risk of infection with dangerous diseases among visitors.
In fitness centers, experts have identified noroviruses and resistant Staphylococcus aureus. As statistics show, noroviruses are the culprits of non-bacterial intestinal disease epidemics in the world in 90% of cases.
Experts also emphasize that special attention should be paid to children's sports uniforms that are stored in schools. Such uniforms should be washed more often, separately from other items and at high temperatures, and it is advisable to use special antibacterial agents for washing.
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