Summer is here and you're probably thinking of all the fun activities you and your family will be able to enjoy. One of them might involve jumping in a hot tub–but not so fast. This latest piece of information might have you steering clear of hot tubs before the swimsuit season even begins! Epidemiologist Michele Hlavsa and professor of environmental studies at the University of Arizona, Charles Gerba revealed the dirty truth behind hot tubs.
To sum it up for you, chances are you are sitting in filthy water and it's a hot bed for germs that can lead to serious infections. Suddenly the hot tub doesn't seem so great, huh?
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Hlvasa explains that the warm temperature in the hot tub makes it harder to kill germs and disinfect the water you are sitting in. This can lead to a "hot tub rash" which begins as a rash and eventually becomes pus-filled blisters. If that wasn't bad enough feces can be found in the water as well as urine from people who pee inside the tub.
This totally has killed the appeal about hot tubs for me and it probably has for you too! If you think hot tubs are gross now, wait until you hear about these other popular summer activities that can also be hazardous to your health!
Public pools: If you think that this is the best place to take the kids this summer, think again. The CDC has found that public pools are lurking not only with feces but parasites as well. Yikes!
Water parks: If you've ever been to water park then you know that place has to be swimming in bacteria. After last summer's number of brain eating amoeba outbreak, I don't think you need further proof that they can be dangerous.
BBQ Grills: Once the summer begins you may start grilling some hot dogs and burgers. Be wary that most outdoor grills have been found to have as much bacteria as a toilet seat! From listeria, salmonella, and E.coli that outdoor grill at the park might not look as innocent as it seems.
The beach: A trip to the beach is a popular activity during this time of year but you can be picking up SO many germs. The EPA has found that sand contains fecal matter that can lead to gastrointestinal problems and can be dirtier than the actual ocean water!
Image via Corbis Images
