Is a dishwasher harmful to human health?

Of course, a dishwasher is a very convenient appliance that saves housewives effort, time, and even water. However, some continue to wash dishes by hand because they believe that washing in a dishwasher can have a negative impact on their health. Is washing dishes in a dishwasher really harmful?

The Hidden Enemy – Fungus

All problems begin with the fact that most users don't carefully read the operating instructions for their household appliances. Or they do read them, but then become lazy and ignore them. And this isn't just about dishwashers: it also applies to coffee makers, multi-cookers, microwaves, refrigerators—in short, practically all electronic household appliances. It would seem that what harm would happen if you defrosted your refrigerator once a year instead of quarterly—or cleaned the inside of your dishwasher only when the walls become coated with dirt and grease, rather than regularly?

Slovenian scientists became concerned about the dangers of dishwashers, as it's well known that warm, sensitive environments are a breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi. They then conducted a study: the scientists examined nearly two hundred different dishwashers worldwide, taking samples from the interior walls and other risky components. It turned out that the rubber seal between the door and the wall of the case was inhabited by entire colonies of black yeast.The most frightening thing is that none of the usual disinfection and germ control measures were effective. Neither boiling water, nor steam, nor acids or alkalis, nor even household chemicals had any effect on the dangerous spores.

Scientists then began taking samples from cutlery washed in contaminated dishwashers. It turned out that spores are easily transferred to items and remain on them after they're removed from the dishwasher. Black yeast, however, is far from safe for humans; it can harm human health and lead to problems such as:

• lung diseases.
• subcutaneous abscesses.
• inflammatory processes in the brain.

Important! In advanced cases, all of these diseases can be fatal. And since the cutlery is contaminated, the person who used it is also infected.

To avoid such dire consequences, simply carefully maintain the hygiene of your household appliances. Remember that mildew thrives in warm, humid environments. After using the dishwasher and other similar appliances, thoroughly wipe dry the walls, seams, edges—anything that could absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

A very dubious rinse

If you own a dishwasher, or have ever observed one in action from the sidelines, whether at a party or elsewhere, you've probably noticed that your dishes look as good as new after washing! Not a single streak, not a single drop, not a single speck of dirt: everything sparkles and shines. But what if you think about it? Everyone knows that the better and more thorough the rinse, the cleaner and more beautiful the dishes look. But at the same time, manufacturers always claim that dishwashers save water and use significantly less water per wash than housewives would when washing by hand.

So what's the secret to such amazing cleanliness? Everything can't be so smooth and perfect. In fact, dishwasher detergents are several times more aggressive and harsh than those sold for hand washing.

Caution! If even regular hand cleaners are not recommended for use without gloves, imagine the pathogenic danger of PM cleaning products.

We'll let you in on a secret: all household cleaning products contain surface-active agents (so-called surfactants), and the more active the product, the higher its content. Yes, their action may seem superb: the dishes look as if they were just taken off the display case. But all this "beauty" settles on the surface of your cutlery, and it's impossible to remove. The only thing that can cope with surfactants is chromium-based mixtures or calcination over a torch flame.

Additionally, a special liquid rinse aid is added to dishwashers. It instantly dries dishes and removes any residue from the previous detergent. However, the rinse aid formula is even more aggressive than that of a regular dishwasher detergent. Thus, one toxic substance is counteracted by another, leaving behind a residue on your dishes.

Of course, the entry of such substances into the body through food subsequently leads to various reactions, the result of which is, at best, depression, hypertension, allergies, and, at worst, malignant tumors.

Chemical attack

Of course, small children are particularly at risk from dishwashers. Firstly, their immune systems are weakened, and secondly, the same dose of toxic substance is far more dangerous for a child than for an adult.

1. In families where PM is used, children are more likely to suffer from bronchial asthma: the incidence rate is 5.6% higher than in families without PM.
2. The incidence of atopic dermatitis in children is 15% higher.
3. And of course, allergies. More and more children experience seasonal allergy symptoms every year.

Scientists believe there's a direct link between these childhood illnesses and dishwasher use. Children in the home should be twice, if not three times, more careful when using such appliances.

Get used to order

In today's world, various ways to make human life easier and more comfortable are being invented at the speed of light. However, all these new devices and inventions rely on chemicals, toxic substances, various types of radiation, and so on. The best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of such devices on human health is to not use their various types.The same dishes can be washed with environmentally friendly substances: lemon juice, baking soda, and even regular soap.

To prevent dishes from piling up in the sink, simply train yourself and everyone else in your household to wash them immediately after meals. Firstly, this will prevent dirt from clinging to the cutlery, and secondly, washing small amounts regularly is much easier than clearing out huge piles of porcelain in the sink once a week.

   

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