We are accustomed to perceiving street dirt solely as an aesthetic problem. A stained floor or footprints in a hallway are irritating, but rarely associated with a real threat. However, what we bring on the soles of our shoes is complex chemical and biological cocktailwhich can cause harm to the body.
Ordinary sand and soil make up only a small part of this composition. In the urban environment they are mixed with fuel combustion productsparticles of worn-out car tires and asphalt. These substances contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which accumulate in house dust over time. Inhalation of such particles is especially dangerous for children who spend a lot of time on the floor.
The biological component of street dirt is no less aggressive. They settle on the sidewalks microparticles of animal wastewhich may contain helminth eggs and pathogenic bacteria. E. coli, salmonella and other microorganisms survive well in the outdoor environment and easily move into the apartment. For infection, sometimes it is enough to simply drop something on the floor in the hallway and then not wash your hands.
In winter, the situation is aggravated by the use de-icing reagents. Chemicals designed to melt ice corrode not only shoes, but also negatively affect human skin and pets’ paws. When dry, the reagents turn into a fine suspension, which rises into the air and irritates the mucous membranes, causing allergic reactions and respiratory diseases.
To minimize risks, it is important to follow the rule “clean zone” at the entrance. Shoes should be removed immediately at the threshold, without walking deeper into the apartment, and the rug should be washed regularly. Wet cleaning of the hallway should be carried out more often than in other rooms, preferably using disinfectants. It is also necessary to thoroughly wash dogs’ paws after each walk, as they bring a significant amount of dirt.
Maintaining hygiene in the hallway is not a matter of pedantry, but a necessity to protect the immune system. Street dirt ceases to be just garbage when we understand its composition and impact on the microclimate of the home. A clean floor at the entrance serves as a reliable barrier against many diseases.
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