Could Cancer-Causing Substances Be Hitchhiking Into Your Home Via Your ... Shoes?
You guys know that I'm not a big fan of wearing shoes in the home. Am I anal about it? OK, maybe a tad. I have two little kids--and one, the 13 month old, sometimes licks the ground (literally). So, a new report is making me feel better about kicking off our shoes at the door (as annoying as it can be). Wait until you hear the latest in the debate on shoes ...
I love shoes as much as the average woman, but I refuse to wear them in my home. We've talked about this before, but my favorite analogy is this: Think about where our shoes go (public restrooms, gas stations--let your mind wander), and then imagine smearing all of that on your floors and carpet. While the jury is out as to whether small amounts of bacteria on shoes can really harm us, it bugs me enough to stick with socks and slippers, thank you very much--especially with the rug rats (i.e., kiddos) in the home, you know?
Related: 5 germy habits your should probably try to break ...
But, a new report from scientists has me strengthening my no-shoe resolve. The latest word on shoes in the home? We could be tracking in cancer-causing substances. I know, I was skeptical too. But here's the scoop, you decide what to make of it:
NBC is reporting that known cancer-causing substances in chemicals used to seal pavement, parking lots and driveways across the U.S. are showing up in "alarming levels" in dust and debris in homes.
Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey say the chemicals in the sealants "slowly wears off and is tracked into homes on the shoes of residents."
Sure, I bet these residues are also seeping into our homes in other ways too, like through the air, but if you could cut your risk of exposure to these chemicals by simply kicking off your shoes at the door and slipping into a comfy pair of slippers, would you?
The news is pretty interesting (and dare I say, convincing), isn't it?! Do you wear shoes in your home?
P.S. Be sure to sign up for Body By Glamour--and keep those healthy New Year's resolutions!
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Photo: Christian Louboutin
