Cleaning is frequently associated with visible dirt. But when it comes to footwear, what is hidden under the surface is usually microscopic. It is usually much more dangerous than a bit of clay or dry grass. Therefore, walking barefoot at home improves health. As?
Bacteria and diseases
Exterior footwear is a bearer of bacteria, allergens and toxic chemicals. A study by the University of Arizona confirmed that 96% of the shoes tested positive for coliform bacteria. And 27% contained E. coli, A bacterium related to various infections. Some of them potentially mortal.
Children under five are at a special risk due to the development of their immune system since they take their hands to their mouths frequently. Health risks go beyond bacteria. The footwear also acts as a carrier of chemical and allergens. You can bring in your pesticide, herbicide and heavy metals shoes such as lead.
Lead exposure, often present in dust or urban land, is especially harmful to children. It affects brain development and causing permanent cognitive problems. In addition, allergens such as pollen can adhere to soles, aggravating allergies and respiratory problems.
Health measurement
All this confirms it: walking barefoot at home improves health. It could be one of the simplest and most effective public health measures that you can adopt at home. When you take off your shoes when you enter, not only do you prevent dirt from staining the carpet. You also significantly reduce your family’s exposure to harmful microbes and chemicals. And it is not difficult to do. You can designate an area to leave the shoes next to the entrance or perhaps put a shoemaker or a basket and even comfortable shoes for the guests.
Ask someone to remove their shoes can be uncomfortable at the beginning. But it is easy to ignore that something as routine as entering the house can lead to such hidden risks.
