Health risks soar with reusable bags

Researchers at the University of Arizona have a new worry for consumers to keep in mind when they are out shopping. It seems that reusable bags may present health risk concerns at a higher rate than comparable plastic or paper bags.

This is not startling news to those individuals who are well aware of the amount of germs, bacteria and pollutants that are present in homes, offices and grocery stores. Everyone knows that if you touch something in public there will be some type of transfer of bacteria that occurs. This is why handwashing is so important.

While most people do wash their countertops, hands and grocery produce items they are not washing the reusable bags that they carry with them as they are commuting, shopping or doing other daily errands. When the Arizona study was conducted results showed that more than 50% were actively contaminated with a myriad of germs. Some of the germs could be extremely problematic in regards to the general health of the public.

Of all of the contaminants the most dangerous was the E.Coli bacteria. This type of bacteria was found to be present in very high numbers and it is indicative of contamination with some kind of fecal material. In many instances the produce or meat will have the bacteria present and when these items come in contact with the reusable bags the germs are transferred to the new surface. If reusable grocery bags are set on floors, subway and bus seats or in public bathroom areas there is additional risk of the bags becoming even more heavily contaminated.

The only possible option to prevent and control the spread of such bacterial nightmares is to keep the bags clean. This means a consumer must be careful about the use and handling of these reusable bags. If you have opted to use these environmentally friendly bags regular cleaning and washing is going to be mandatory.