Showerheads May Harbor Dangerous Bacteria, New Study Says

Tiny bacteria hiding inside your showerhead can be dangerous to your health, especially if you have cystic fibrosis, AIDS, or a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or a recent organ transplant, a new study finds.

A study conducted by the University of Colorado included an analysis of 45 showers in five states. The research found that some shower heads contained Mycobacterium avium, a pesky bacterial bug linked to lung disease in some patients. Exposure to the bacteria can result in pulmonary infections marked by symptoms including fatigue, difficulty breathing, a persistent dry cough and weakness.

Don’t Skip the Shower, Just Yet

Researchers said at this point, there is no reason to say taking a shower is particularly risky or recommend skipping showering altogether. However, for people in certain at-risk groups (noted above), the relative risks of infection from bacteria sprayed out of a shower head should be considered, according to an Associated Press report.

The use of all-metal showerheads can help reduce the bacterial risks, since the tiny bugs have a harder time sticking to the metal surfaces, researchers said. But still, the bacteria can grow quickly in the wet, enclosed shower heads, so even frequent cleaning with bleach does little to stop its growth.

The use of shower heads that filter the water and taking baths, which do not spray the bacteria out in a fine mist, may also reduce the risks of infections, the study stated.

Study Examines Showerheads Across U.S.

For the study, researchers examined showerheads in Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Dakota, and Tennessee. They found bacteria were more likely to be found built up in the shower head, as opposed to the incoming water line.

The same research team previously found the bacteria were present in soap scum on vinyl shower curtains and on the sides of warm therapy pools. And stay tuned for new bacteria research findings: The team is now studying air in office buildings, hospital waiting rooms, homeless shelters, and the New York City subway system.

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