A victory for indoor footwear
Researchers Weigh In on the ‘No Shoes Inside’ Argument
Growing up, I was raised in a household that strictly enforced a no-shoes policy. My father is Korean, a practice common in many Asian cultures. Additionally, both of my parents were microbiologists, so they understood the implications of bringing outdoor grime into the home. Shoes were left at the door, while slippers and flip-flops were the norm inside. Now, scientific research has entered the conversation, and the consensus is clear: leave your filthy shoes outside for the sake of your health.
A team of environmental chemists has been researching household contaminants for a decade, and their findings advocate for removing shoes before entering your home. Their initiative, DustSafe, analyzes vacuum dust from homes globally and identifies various harmful substances that can be tracked indoors on your footwear.
Should you keep your shoes on indoors?
While it may seem evident that shoes carry dirt, the situation is more complex. Approximately one-third of the contaminants found in your home can be traced back to your shoes, which may include hazardous bacteria, toxins from asphalt, heavy metals, and chemicals from lawn care products, as explained by the researchers to CNN. Although it’s impossible to prevent every bit of debris from entering your home, removing your shoes can significantly reduce it.
How germs from shoes can impact your family’s health
Humans spend around 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, when you’re at home, you’re inhaling the dust that lingers in the air. This dust consists of natural household debris like skin cells and pet dander, along with particles brought in from outside, including residues from your shoes. Some of the unwanted items you might be inhaling include microplastics, antibiotic-resistant genes, PFAs, and toxic metals. While some of these contaminants may enter through windows, a significant amount is tracked in on your footwear.
The DustSafe team concluded that removing shoes has numerous benefits and very few downsides. Wearing socks or slippers is a great alternative, and if you need additional support, consider having a pair of indoor shoes to slip into after you take off your outdoor footwear. While some studies suggest that a little dirt can bolster your immune system, this exposure can be obtained outside, not on your carpets.
A completely sterile home isn’t ideal, and overusing harsh cleaning products can be counterproductive, but let’s face it: that’s rarely a concern for most families. In summary, taking off your shoes at the door helps control indoor dust, toxins, and germs. It’s also an effortless way to keep your floors cleaner for longer, and in many cultures, it’s simply considered polite.
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In summary, leaving your shoes at the door is a simple yet effective way to improve indoor air quality and maintain a cleaner home, while also being considerate of cultural practices.
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