If scarcely sanitized, they can endanger health and proliferate bacteria and mushrooms
Thermos is present in backpacks, office tables and even academies. Practical and durable, they have become great health allies by encouraging hydration during the day. By keeping the drink temperature longer, they facilitate regular consumption of water, tea or juices, making it easier to reach the ideal quantity of fluids recommended daily.
However, when scarcely sanitized, they can represent exactly the opposite: a silent risk for health. According to Aline Montenegro Silva, professor of the College Biomedicine Course Anhanguera, these containers create the ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and mushrooms.
“The bottle seems harmless, but it is a closed, humid and organic waste that acts as food for microorganisms. This makes it a fomite, that is, a vehicle of direct contamination to our body”, warns.
Health health bacteria
The lack of adequate cleaning can lead to the ingestion of bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli AND Staphylococcus aureusWith the potential to cause digestive discomfort to serious paintings as widespread infections.
“THE Salmonella It can cause diarrhea, fever and, in more serious cases, reach the bloodstream, leading to the sepsis. Already the E. coli More aggressive can cause damage to ships and even the failure of the organs “, warns the teacher. Staphylococcus aureus is part of Human microbiota And participate in the colonization of the skin. However, some strains can quickly cause food poisoning when ingesting, especially when contaminating drinks in bottles.
Silent dangers
In addition to the most obvious infections, there are silent but worrying consequences. “The constant presence of bacteria in contaminated water can affect the intestine, interrupt the absorption of nutrients and alter the pH of the drink, leading to the formation of toxic compounds and the destruction of important proteins,” says Aline Montenegro Silva. People with a more sensitive immune system, such as the elderly, children and who have chronic diseases, are even more vulnerable.
Pure water can also be dangerous if stored in a contaminated container. “Over time, microorganisms form biofilm so called: an invisible film of overlapping cleaning bacteria, highly adherent and superficial. This biofilm protects microorganisms and makes it difficult to eliminate complete with a simple washing”, explains the expert.

Correct cleaning of the thermos
Below, Aline Montenegro Silva recommends how to perform adequate cleaning of Thermos. I wait:
- Disassemble all the removable parts (lid, sealing, beak);
- Wash with water and delicate detergent using your brush;
- Rinse well and let it dry with your mouth in an airy place;
- Create one Deep cleaning Weekly with 1 tablespoon of chlorine solution for 1 liter of water or use sodium and vinegar bicarbonate.
Avoid leaving the bottle closed still humid and changes the water daily, especially if exposed to hot backpacks or inside. Drink like coffee, milk, tea or milk serum protein They require even more attention. “Milk and derivatives are highly perishable. The coffee and tea shock the inside of the bottle and leave the residues, which facilitate the formation of biofilm. This requires more careful and frequent cleaning,” warns the teacher.
Choose the right material to avoid contamination
According to Aline Montenegro Silva, the best materials are glass and stainless steel, which accumulate less waste and are not porosity. Already the bottles of plastic They should be without BPA and changed frequently since microphissures can accumulate bacteria invisibly.
By Bianca Lodi Rieg
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.