Researchers at Flinders University claim that sink drains harbor a host of dangerous microbes. Among these are pathogens that can cause pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease—which affects the respiratory system—and wound infections, which arise from harmful microbes developing in wounds.
However, the sink is not the only place that requires thorough cleaning. This study was conducted shortly after the university team discovered that radiation-resistant microbes can thrive inside microwave ovens!
Other previous studies have found microbes living in various unusual locations, such as oil spills in the ocean, abandoned industrial sites, and even inside the International Space Station.
Yet, it has remained unclear which microbes can proliferate in sinks.
What the Researchers Discovered
To investigate this issue, the scientists analyzed biofilms found inside sinks located in both hospitals and residential homes. Biofilm refers to the slimy substance that can be detected around drains and faucets, as explained by the Daily Mail.
The analysis of these biofilms revealed the presence of microbes capable of causing pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, and wound infections.
According to Claire Hayward, the lead author of the study, the team found “a significant number of pathogenic and virulent microbes, including those that are typically not waterborne,” in both hospitals and homes.
The researchers believe that these pathogens likely enter the biofilm from people using the sink to wash their hands. While one might assume that hospital sinks would accumulate more microbes, this was not the case.
“In residential sinks, the biofilm is represented by a more diverse bacterial community compared to hospitals,” noted Dr. Harriet Wylie, a co-author of the study.
She explained that samples taken from residential settings contained a higher number of Legionella bacteria than those from hospitals. The researchers attribute this to the likelihood that hospital sinks are cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than those in homes.
“Patients receiving medical care at home should be informed about infection control methods, such as cleaning drains and sewer pipes with effective disinfectants,” Ms. Hayward emphasized.
Based on their findings, the researchers urged people to regularly conduct deep cleaning of their sinks.