According to a new study by Manal Mohammed, a microbiology expert at Westminster University in the UK, E. coli bacteria can be found on one in four pairs of shoes that have been outside. These bacteria are known to cause life-threatening kidney diseases. However, the health risks that people bring home on their shoes don’t stop there.
For instance, sealants used in construction and road repairs can lead to various types of cancer. Particles from these materials also make their way into our homes. The study found that dirty shoes can increase their levels indoors by up to 37 times compared to outside.
What else did the expert report?
In her report on the study, Dr. Mohammed stated, “Street shoes carry bacteria, allergens, and toxic chemicals, many of which are linked to serious health issues. Wearing outdoor shoes indoors is like inviting the street and everything on it into the most intimate corners of your home.”
According to her, throughout the day, shoes accumulate harmful microbes and substances from various sources, such as bathroom floors, hospital corridors, and public walkways. This is particularly dangerous for small children, as they often play and crawl on the floor.
Returning to the topic of E. coli (bacteria found in the feces of animals and humans), it’s important to note that some strains of this microbe can be incredibly dangerous. They can cause bloody diarrhea and a potentially fatal kidney disease known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Additionally, street shoes may harbor the Clostridium difficile bacteria, which causes diarrhea, as well as Staphylococcus, a microorganism associated with skin infections, the Daily Mail reported.
Dr. Mohammed also warned about the dangers of walking outside on lead dust, a heavy metal known to disrupt brain development in young children.
She further cautioned that allergens, such as pollen, can cling to outdoor shoes and contaminate the home. As a result, those suffering from hay fever often experience significant worsening of their symptoms.
Dr. Mohammed urged people to leave their shoes at the entrance after being outside. This will help “significantly reduce the exposure of harmful microbes and chemicals to your family,” the scientist said.
However, not everyone agrees with these warnings
Some scientists argue that wearing outdoor shoes at home can even be beneficial, especially for children.
In 2019, researchers from Finland found that children who wore outdoor shoes at home were less likely to suffer from asthma. The scientists suggested that contact with different types of soil helped children develop resilience to potential disease triggers.
Not only these researchers believe that modern life is overly sterile. They are supported by some colleagues who argue that without early exposure to dirt and microbes, the immune system does not learn to manage its response to everyday pollutants, such as dust and pollen. This can lead to certain health issues later on. However, the scientific basis of this counter-theory is still a subject of intense debate.