Researchers at Flinders University say sink drains harbor dangerous microbes, including pathogens that can cause pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease—which affects the respiratory system—and wound infections that develop when harmful microbes invade cuts.
The sink isn’t the only spot that needs serious cleaning: the study came soon after the same team found radiation-resistant microbes thriving inside microwave ovens.
Previous studies have also found microbes living in unusual places, such as oil spills in the ocean, abandoned industrial sites, and even inside the International Space Station.
Until now, it was unclear which microbes can multiply in sinks.
What the Researchers Discovered
To investigate, the scientists analyzed biofilms found inside sinks in both hospitals and residential homes. Biofilm is the slimy layer that builds up around drains and faucets, the Daily Mail explained.
The biofilm analysis revealed microbes capable of causing pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, and wound infections.
Claire Hayward, the study’s lead author, said the team found “a significant number of pathogenic and virulent microbes, including those that are typically not waterborne,” in both hospitals and homes.
The researchers think these pathogens likely enter biofilms when people use sinks to wash their hands. You might assume hospital sinks would harbor more microbes, but that wasn’t the case.
“In residential sinks, the biofilm is represented by a more diverse bacterial community compared to hospitals,” noted Dr. Harriet Wylie, a co-author of the study.
She said samples from homes contained higher levels of Legionella bacteria than samples from hospitals. The researchers attribute that difference to hospitals being cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than most home sinks.
“Patients receiving medical care at home should be informed about infection control methods, such as cleaning drains and sewer pipes with effective disinfectants,” Ms. Hayward emphasized.
Based on their findings, the researchers urged people to deep-clean their sinks regularly.
