In a recent study, British researchers analyzed car interiors and the bacteria that may be found there. However, the results suggest that even our toilets are cleaner than the interior of our vehicles.
In a new study published by Aston University in Birmingham (UK) on January 31, 2022, it is about the interior of our cars. This research is quite worrying insofar as scientists speak of more significant contamination in the passenger compartment of cars than in the toilet. Still, it might seem quite logical, since we clean our toilets far more often than our vehicles.
During their work, the scientists took samples from several vehicles , whose environment and history were different. According to the results, the interior of the cars contains among others the following bacteria:Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus as well as Pseumodonas .
But which vehicle areas are the most contaminated? Unsurprisingly, the trunk holds the palm . We store our groceries and objects of all kinds there, which are not always very clean. On the side of the least affected areas, we find the rear seat, the dashboard and the steering wheel. According to the researchers, it may seem paradoxical that the steering wheel is the least contaminated area when it is the tool that we handle the most. However, the use of hand sanitizers for two years has simply made this area "cleaner". Here is the ranking of the different zones of car interiors according to the average number of bacteria found:trunk (1,425 bacteria), driver's seat (649), gear knob (407), rear seat (323), dashboard (317) and steering wheel ( 146).
According to scientists, the proliferation of bacteria in car interiors is not really a coincidence. Vehicles are used for a long time and sometimes change owners. They therefore advise to clean the interior at least once a month . Ideally, the trunk, seats and other carpets should be thoroughly cleaned, especially with a steam cleaner.
Finally, let's remember that the bacteria Escherichia coli can cause gastroenteritis, urinary infections, and other meningitis. Staphylococcus aureus can be causing food poisoning and localized suppurative infections. As for bacteria of the genus Pseumodonas , they can cause possible secondary infections of wounds or burns as well as cutaneous and visceral infections, even sepsis.
