Sand on the beach is a dangerous source of contagion
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Summer is the time for holidays 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 conceal a mortal danger for a person.
A team of specialists 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.
Taking samples of sand from the Hawaiian Islands, scientists have noticed, it contains a huge number of pathogenic microorganisms (more than in water), in addition, solar heat creates a favorable environment for the life of bacteria and promotes active reproduction. Also, experts have established that in the sand pathogens can remain active much longer than in other places.
In the sand, scientists have identified such dangerous bacteria as E. Coli, as well as other microorganisms living in stool. As is known, such remains of feces decompose long in the sand, but it is due to the high temperature for such bacteria that the most favorable conditions are created.
From the sand, microorganisms can get on clothes, towels, hands, and then into the body.
It is for this reason that scientists urge holidaymakers to observe the utmost care while relaxing on sandy beaches, carefully clean clothing from sand, wash clothes more often, towels with antibacterial powders, and, naturally, wash their hands.
The bacteria are especially dangerous for people with a weak immune system, for example, small children and elderly people.
Experts warn that in the high-risk group there are children who love to tinker in the sand, build locks, sculpt kulichiki, burrow in the sand, which facilitates easy penetration of pathogens into the body.
It is worth recalling that earlier experts in one of their studies called the most common source of bacteria and viruses that are dangerous to human health, fitness centers. In the association of the Microbiology Society of the United States, experts claim that even one training can cause serious damage to health.
As the tests have shown, the tissues used for physical exercises contain a huge number of microbes, such pathogens fall on sports equipment, especially 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 the statistics show, it is the noroviruses in 90% of cases that are responsible for epidemics of intestinal diseases of non-bacterial nature in the world.
Also, experts emphasize that special attention should be paid to the children's sports form, which lies in school institutions. This form should be washed more often, and separately from other things and at high temperatures, it is desirable to use special antibacterial agents for washing.
[