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OUR CARS PRESENT AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR BACTERIA, SAYS ASTON UNIVERSITY
June 20

Most of us spend a great deal of time in our cars, and recent research suggests that unless we keep them as clean as our homes, we could be putting our health at risk.

A new study from Aston University has shown that a messy car presents an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and moulds such as
Bacillus Cereus and Staphylococcus, which can put the users of the vehicle at risk.

Spilt liquids such as soft and food crumbs in seat seams and on carpets provide an ideal environment for  harmful bacteria that can cause skin infections, food poisoning, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. When people fall ill with such symptoms, the car is simply not considered as a source of infection.

Dr Anthony Hilton, member of the Society for Applied Microbiology and a microbiologist at Aston University said that
"Although many strains of bacteria are harmless, some can cause unpleasant illnesses.”

Car interiors breed germs
According to researchers, the bacteria present in soil and dust can invade the vehicle through animals or the shoes of passengers. Additionally, the bacteria multiply rapidly, especially during the warmer summer months, spreading infection on the car seats where crumbs collect in or around car heaters.

Dr. Hilton stated, "People would be horrified at the prospect of eating from a toilet seat; however they ought to be aware that eating from a contaminated dashboard may represent the same health hazards. It is important, particularly now the weather is becoming warmer, for people to ensure they do not leave food debris in their cars as bacteria can thrive on even tiny crumbs. Also if you have animals in your car they can contribute to the presence of harmful micro-organisms.

He further added, “Those who eat in their car should treat it as an extension of their home and maintain the same levels of hygiene as they would in their dining room.”

We have been warned.

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Drive through food Staphylococcus

Drive through food. Maybe we should drive past instead, according to a new study from Aston University.

Bacteria in a petri dish. A sugar-rich damp carpet from a soft-drink spill in a hot car does the job just as well.