Should shoes be removed at the door? Health experts respond
In some societies, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance of the home or place them in a closet behind the door, even though this practice may be embarrassing for some individuals.
It turns out that this practice has several health benefits, helping homeowners, especially the elderly and children, avoid infectious diseases and bacterial infections.
Gabriel Filippelli, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, says that this practice does have genuine health benefits, according to CNN.
He added, “Some bacteria that concern us more than others are coliform bacteria, and studies have swabbed the bottom of shoes, finding in 99% of insoles germs that carry symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.”
On the other hand, Jill Litt, a professor of environmental studies at the University of Colorado, says that other studies have shown that in rural areas, lead dust can enter homes after it sticks to the surface of shoes.
She added that other studies have warned that shoes may be a means of transporting residues of pesticides from gardens and parks into the home, pointing out that heavy metals such as lead and copper can penetrate garden soil.
Experts advise homeowners that before asking guests to remove their shoes, they should first ensure that the home is “as dust-free as possible,” emphasizing the importance of not using electric or regular vacuum cleaners to clean dust, as they may lead to the spread of airborne particles loaded with chemicals and hazards throughout the home.
