an investigation of domestic laundry in europe - habits ... - SIFO

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76An investigation into the domestic laundry habits in EuropeBacillusBacillus are another common group of bacteria. Bacillus cereus is the pathogenin this group. It is not only known to cause food poisoning by producing atoxin in cooked food; it can also cause food borne infection. Bacillus cereus isparticularly dangerous because it is a spore-bearing bacterium. A spore is aresting body, which is produced when conditions are unfavourable for growthand particularly when there is a lack of moisture. The spores can survive in adormant condition for long periods of time under adverse conditions, butwhen suitable conditions of food, moisture and temperature return they areable to germinate into actively growing bacteria again. In the studies of Finch[1] and Speirs [2], Bacilli were found on soiled dishcloths, tea towels andhand towels. Betz [7] used a culture of Bacillus subtilis for his test.Staphylococcus aureusStaphylococcus aureus is reported as the most important cause of food poisoning.50% of all people carry this bacteria in their nose and/or around theanus. Staphylococcus aureus is spread easily by contaminated hands, utensilsetc. Again, Finch [1] and Speirs [2] found Staphylococcus aureus on soileddishcloths, tea towels and hand towels. Most of the work of Walter [6] andpart of the studies by Scott [3] [ 4] were based on artificial contamination withStaphylococcus aureus.Yeasts and FungiYeasts and fungi are found everywhere. Spores can survive dry conditions butfor the most part yeast and fungi are found in damp conditions. Only Block[5] used a yeast culture in his study. Other studies focussing on yeasts andfungi were not found.Total Plate CountThe Total Plate Count gives an idea of the overall effect of washing. There aremany different bacteria present in laundry. Using Total Plate Count almostevery bacterium present in the laundry will be detected.4.3.3 Selection of Laundry ItemsIn order to find the selected micro-organisms, laundry items have to be selected.In this experiment the hygienic condition of naturally soiled laundry is
Hygiene effects of laundry processes in Europe 77assessed. However, it was not possible to collect dirty laundry from differenthouseholds because of the heterogenic composition in time. For the purposeof the test, only a few laundry items on which the selected micro-organismsare likely to be found were selected.The occurrence and amount of micro-organisms on the selected laundry itemswas determined in a pre-test for verification purposes.HandkerchiefBecause 50% of the human population are carriers of Staphylococcus aureusin the nose, a handkerchief of a carrier was selected. The average amount ofStaphylococcus aureus found on a used handkerchief was log 3.3 CFU/3 cm 2 .DiaperFaeces are full of bacteria; Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus and in many casesStaphylococcus aureus are very likely to be found. A baby's diaper could be agood sample for finding these micro-organisms. All bacteria were confirmedon the diapers in the pre-test. The average diaper contains about log 5.9CFU/3 cm 2 Enterobacteriaceae, log 5.6 CFU/3 cm 2 Bacillus and 4.0 CFU/3cm 2 Staphylococcus aureus.SocksMany people have foot moulds. A pair of socks could be contaminated withthis micro- organism. Socks are also worn in a damp environment as a shoe.These are the ideal conditions for growing yeasts and fungi. Only one log unitCFU/3 cm 2 was found in the pre-test.DishclothPrevious studies ([1], [2]) show that a dishcloth is a very highly contaminatedpiece of laundry. It contains a mix of various bacteria found in almost everyhousehold. It can contain every micro-organism which is investigated in thisexperiment. This was confirmed during the pre-test (see table 4-4).
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Appendix CSettings of the 15°C Was
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Appendix DSettings of the 30°C Was
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