The expert warned about the health risks due to water from the cooler

Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Biotechnology and Industrial Pharmacy at RTU MIREA Maria Zolotareva warned about the health risks of drinking water from a cooler.

In conversation with Lenta.Ru On Wednesday, August 19, she noted that public coolers with drinking water can become a source of microbial contamination with irregular or improper maintenance. At the same time, the water can remain transparent and not change its taste.

The expert explained that the main danger lies in the tanks and pipes of the cooler. Due to the constant humidity and suitable temperature, a biofilm of microorganisms can form on the inner surfaces that is resistant to conventional washing.

The risk increases with rare bottle changes and untimely disinfection. When installing a new container, dust and microorganisms from the surface of the bottle or hands may get inside. Over time, the number of bacteria increases, which can lead to intestinal disorders, especially in children, the elderly, and people with reduced immunity. Mold can also appear in pallets and hard-to-reach places.

Zolotareva added that bacteria can persist in the heating unit if the water does not reach a temperature sufficient to suppress microorganisms. During prolonged maintenance-free operation, mineral and organic deposits also accumulate inside, contributing to the reproduction of microflora.

The specialist advised that when using public coolers, pay attention to the condition of the taps, pan and housing. Plaque, streaks, unpleasant odor and visible contamination may indicate improper maintenance of the equipment.

Tap water: an invisible threat that flows in every home

In early August, infectious diseases doctor Andrey Matyukhin said that a poorly maintained office cooler can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. With regular disassembly of the device, cleaning of the tubes and replacement of filters, the cooler remains safe, RT clarifies.

In July, nutritionist Mariyat Mukhina said that frequent use of water from the office cooler can lead to kidney stones due to the high content of dissolved minerals in the water. The presence of nanoplastics in the body can cause nephropathy and the development of kidney failure, the website notes. kp.ru .

Sergey Vasilenko, a sanitary doctor, a specialist in hygiene and sanitary control of water, warned that office coolers can be a source of serious diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, legionella, E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and other bacteria, as well as fungi and mold, can multiply in coolers that are poorly or irregularly serviced. 360.ru .

An infectious disease specialist, Professor Nikolai Malyshev, told the National Research Council in January that if you do not take care of a cooler, a carafe of water and a coffee machine, you can pick up dangerous bacteria and viruses. To avoid infection, you should wash these items regularly.

Before that, biochemist Lyudmila Polikarpova talked about the consequences of drinking tainted water from a cooler. According to her, such water from a cooler can be quite dangerous to human health — toxins and bacteria can cause allergies, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in the most severe cases, salmonellosis and dysentery.