Bacteria are single-celled, microscopic organisms. There are thousands of kinds of bacteria which are responsible for everything from helping the digestive system breakdown food, to the decomposition of organic matter, to adding that perfect flavor in your favorite cheese.

Is there a health risk?

While most bacteria is harmless, pathogenic bacteria cause some of the most fatal human diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis.
Harmful bacteria that may be found in the home include:

• Escherichia coli/E. coli (gastroenteritis – “food poisoning”)
• Salmonella (gastroenteritis – “food poisoning”)
• Staphylococcus aureus (staph infections, pneumonia, meningitis and “toxic shock syndrome”)
• Streptococcus pyogenes (“strep throat” and skin infections)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (bacterial meningitis and pneumonia)

Recently, consumers have been warned that a particularly deadly form of staph infection, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA], has been blamed for deaths throughout the U.S., including many young people.

 Where could I find it in my home?

Warm and moist areas of the home are breeding grounds for bacteria. The kitchen and the bathroom are the two most common areas for bacteria with sinks, floors and countertops (also tubs, showers and toilets in the bathroom) being the most likely “hotspots.” Uncooked foods also contain bacteria that may transfer to countertops, cooking utensils and hands.

 What can I do?

Make sure to clean all counter tops and surfaces in your home regularly using green and non-toxic cleaning products that don’t have any overwhelming fumes or health-adverse chemicals.

Get rid of cockroaches in your home. Cockroaches are suspected of spreading salmonella, streptococcus, and stphyloccus.

Get rid of all mice and rats in your home as they typically carry bacteria in your home in their hair and waste.

Make sure to clean carpets thoroughly, particularly when dogs or cats have accidents.

Wash your dish sponges in the dishwasher with a load of dishes to get rid of the bacteria in them or microwave your sponge for one minute.

Get rid of foul smelling odors using green cleaning products, a foul smelling odors usually indicate the presence of bacteria.

Make sure to open windows periodically to let rooms air out and break. This should be done both during the summer and winter times and especially with rooms you don’t use often.

 Resources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Foodborne Illness
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Disease Listing
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Microbiology
• Penn State — Solution Source