Ah, beards. They are loved by some, and hated by others. But when it comes to hygiene, many people wouldn’t think to compare these fancy facial fuzz to a dirty toilet. However, a shocking new study has added a much needed blow to the hipster beard revolution after it was announced just how dirty these facial accessories can be.
The study was instigated by a local Albuquerque news team, who had several volunteer beards swabbed and the samples sent to Quest Diagnostics in New Mexico. The results, well, they were gross – like fecal bacteria gross.
“I’m usually not surprised, and I was surprised by this,” said microbiologist John Golobic. “There would be a degree of uncleanliness that would be somewhat disturbing.”
According to KOAT , while some of the beards contained normal bacteria, several others were comparable to toilets.
“Those are the types of things you’d find in (fecal matter),” Golobic tells the station.
Although some of the bacteria that was found won’t be responsible for any illnesses, the microbiologist still finds it a bit disconcerting.
So, how do you beardsters keep your facial trims poop-free? Just wash your hands regularly and try to keep the stroking to a minimal.
“Try to keep your hands away from your face, as much as possible,” Golobic advised.
Adding that if the city’s water system contained similar bacteria, it would need to shut down and be thoroughly disinfected.
This finding, however, shouldn’t prompt you to panic and reach for those razors just yet beard lovers, as previous studies have shown that fecal bacteria can be found in many random places like your phone, toothbrush, doorknobs, keyboards etc. So, it’s sort of safe to say poop particles are pretty much everywhere, folks.
[Image via Viralfact]
