2023-09-30 16:00:40
While it’s hard to keep kids away from dirt, germs, and viruses, knowing the dirtiest places at school can help you take better care of them.
Last update: September 30, 2023
Have you ever wondered which are the dirtiest places in schools? Surely yes and we know it. Those who have school-age children understand very well that Infectious diseases are contracted relatively easily in these spaces.
It is essential to identify areas with a high presence of viruses and bacteria in schools, so that the authorities can take action. For example, a few years ago the focus was especially on bathrooms, which became one of the safest spaces in this sense, since they are currently cleaned very frequently.
These are the 6 dirtiest places in schools
Some of the dirtiest parts of schools are due to excessive use by children and because they are outdoors, causing dust particles, smog, viruses and bacteria to adhere. This means that it is always possible to redouble cleaning actions.
1. Knobs and handles
Doorknobs and handles, as well as keys, are the dirtiest objects in schools. The reason behind this is that they become high touch points and that, They are often touched with not-so-clean hands.
This is why germs accumulate more quickly on these surfaces, making it easier for students to spread illnesses between contacts. Therefore, the most recommended thing is to reinforce habits such as continuous hand washing.
2. Outdoor play areas
Play areas are often exposed to the elements; This causes them to accumulate dirt, dust, leaves, viruses and bacteria, which then end up on children’s hands, clothing and toys.
Considering that, by collecting all this dirt on their things, the children will carry it inside the school, it is necessary redouble cleaning in play areas. It is also important to place sinks at the entrances to reduce the number of germs, as well as place mats to minimize the entry of dirt on shoes.
3. Tables and desks
Students don’t just write on tables and desks; They also eat and play there. Therefore, in addition to viruses and bacteria, there are food remains and microorganisms on these surfaces. If not cleaned regularly, these surfaces can become breeding grounds. It would be best to clean these elements continuously. and instruct students to make the best possible use of them.
4. Stair handrails
Stair handrails are another of the dirtiest places in schools. Like doorknobs and handles, many students touch them throughout the day. This is what facilitates the transmission of germs.
In addition, they tend to accumulate dust and dirt. Fortunately, it is an element that is usually included in general cleaning, since its susceptibility to hosting unwanted visitors is no secret.
5. Water fountains
Water fountains are another of those places considered the dirtiest in schools, because it is where students go to drink. In search of the liquid, children can touch the water spout with their dirty hands, their lips or the spouts of the bottles. There is a high risk of cross contamination and proliferation of bacteria and viruses.
6. Kitchen and food preparation areas
In schools that serve food, the kitchen and preparation areas are critical for food hygiene. If they are not kept clean, they can become sources of pollution.
As explained by the University of Guadalajara, inadequate cleaning of the kitchen and poor handling of food can cause illnesses and infections due to salmonella and E. coliamong other bacteria.
How to protect children from the dirtiest places in schools?
More than just places, there are also other surfaces that compete to be the dirtiest in schools. Among them, the educational material that children share with their classmates, reusable trays and electronic objects (mice, keyboards and monitors).
Although many measures are taken within educational institutions to avoid infections and diseases, what more can be done to protect children from viruses and bacteria? Let’s see it!
Strengthen hand washing after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, shaking hands or playing with other classmates.
Take care of food preparation, wash your hands before cooking, rinse the ingredients that will be used very well, cook the food completely and take care of its origin.
Strengthen the immune system with a healthy diet and physical activity.
Have vaccinations up to date to minimize the risk of contracting common contagious diseases in schools.
Strengthen cleaning and disinfection of high traffic spaces of the schools, by the directors of the institution.
Remember that it is impossible to isolate your children from all the risks that exist in dirty places. So it is not about preventing them from attending school or not having contact with their environment, but rather about strengthening their defenses to minimize the risk of contagion.
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