Infectious disease specialist Andrey Matyukhin, candidate of medical sciences, warned that water from office coolers often becomes an incubator for health-dangerous infections. He told Gazeta.Ru that the risk is not tied to the water itself, but to violations of maintenance procedures.
Matyukhin explained that insufficient hygiene creates a warm, moist environment inside the appliance that favors the reproduction of microorganisms.
Breeding grounds for bacteria
Matyukhin named the cooler taps and drip tray as the primary breeding grounds for bacteria. He noted that Escherichia coli and staphylococci can settle on these parts, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa can multiply on the biofilm inside the internal tubing.
The physician added that mold grows actively inside the dark and moist interior of the dispenser. Fungal spores can cause allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders, often in early stages without creating any noticeable smell or taste.
Contamination from dirty dishes
Matyukhin also stated that contact with dirty tableware can deposit Listeria, Salmonella, and Candida yeast fungi on the cooler taps.
In a separate warning about daily hygiene risks, microbiologist Jason Tetro previously identified the item considered the dirtiest among daily-used objects. Tetro said that PIN code entry buttons on store payment terminals present the greatest hazard.
