The 5 Most Illness-Causing Things in Your Home
1. Kitchen Dishcloth
In a study by the National Science Foundation, when participants wiped several items in their homes, they found that the kitchen dishcloth had the most bacteria. In fact, the bacteria, mold, and yeast gathered on the dishcloth were more than 150 times that of a toothbrush. When you clean, the cloth picks up bacteria, but because you don't often disinfect the dishcloth before using it, bacteria accumulate. Of course, most bacteria are not pathogenic, but some, such as Salmonella and E. coli, can cause serious illnesses. The best way to reduce bacteria on the dishcloth is to microwave the damp dishcloth for two minutes every day and change it every two weeks.
2. Refrigerator
Low temperatures slow the multiplication of bacteria, so be sure to make sure your home refrigerator temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, you can place a thermometer in the refrigerator to help keep track of the temperature and ensure food freshness.
3. Cutting Board
Raw, uncooked meat and fish contain a lot of bacteria that can contaminate cooked food and fresh ingredients. The best way to reduce this contamination is to use two separate cutting boards to cut raw foods and cooked or fresh ingredients.
4. Uncooked Eggs
If you like to eat runny eggs, you should be careful. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises people (especially children and the elderly) to avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, as this can easily lead to infection with some foodborne bacteria, such as Salmonella. If you must eat raw or undercooked eggs, you can consider choosing pasteurized eggs. Besides being sterilized, they are no different from regular eggs.
5. Recalled Foods
It is best to throw away any recalled foods, as they are associated with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. According to a survey by Rutgers University, only 60% of Americans check their homes for foods recalled due to bacterial contamination. Whenever you receive information about a food recall, be sure to check the food stored in your home to ensure its safety.