Shoes Transmit Disease... YUCK!

I grew up in a home where we did not leave the rug by the door if we had on shoes.  There was always a pile of shoes by the door.

Now that I have a baby, I am even more careful about not wearing shoes in the house than my mom!  I was just having a discussion online about how gross it is to bring all of the germs and nasties from outside into your house on your shoes, when I found this article: Shoes Transmit Disease, Leave Them By the Door.

From the article:

“The common occurrence (96 percent) of coliform and E. coli bacteria on the outside of the shoes indicates frequent contact with fecal material, which most likely originates from floors in public restrooms or contact with animal fecal material outdoors,” said Gerba. “Our study also indicated that bacteria can be tracked by shoes over a long distance into your home or personal space after the shoes were contaminated with bacteria.

Any germs picked up by bare feet, knees and hands will then be transported to the crib at naptime."

Yuck!  So, for the health of your family, please think twice before tromping through your house with your shoes on!