Ice Machine Water: The Hidden Danger in Your Home
Ice Machine Water: The Hidden Danger in Your Home
If youre like most people, you probably dont think much about the water in your ice machine. But did you know that this water can actually be a breeding ground for bacteria?
In fact, a study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that ice machine water can contain up to 100,000 bacteria per milliliter. Thats more than 10 times the amount of bacteria found in tap water!
Why is ice machine water so dirty?
There are a few reasons why ice machine water can be so dirty.
* First, ice machines are often not cleaned regularly. This allows bacteria to build up on the inside of the machine, where it can contaminate the water.
* Second, ice machines are often used to make drinks that are consumed raw. This means that any bacteria present in the water can be passed on to the person drinking the beverage.
* Third, ice machines are often located in areas that are warm and humid. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
What are the risks of drinking ice machine water?
Drinking ice machine water can pose a number of health risks, including:
* Gastrointestinal illness: The most common risk of drinking ice machine water is gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because bacteria can cause inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract.
* Food poisoning: In some cases, drinking ice machine water can lead to food poisoning. This is a more serious condition that can cause fever, chills, and muscle cramps.
* Legionnaires disease: Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Legionella can grow in ice machine water and be spread through the air when the water is used to make ice.
Who is most at risk of getting sick from ice machine water?
Anyone can get sick from drinking ice machine water, but some people are at a higher risk than others. These include:
* People with weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick from bacteria because their bodies are less able to fight off infection.
* Children: Children are more likely to drink ice machine water because they are more likely to be exposed to it at school or daycare.
* Pregnant women: Pregnant women are more likely to get sick from bacteria because their immune systems are suppressed during pregnancy.
How to prevent getting sick from ice machine water
There are a few things you can do to prevent getting sick from ice machine water:
* Clean your ice machine regularly. The best way to prevent bacteria from building up in your ice machine is to clean it regularly. You should clean your ice machine at least once a month, but more often if it is used frequently.
* Use filtered water in your ice machine. Using filtered water in your ice machine can help to reduce the amount of bacteria present in the water.
* Discard the first few batches of ice. The first few batches of ice that your ice machine makes may contain more bacteria than the subsequent batches. It is a good idea to discard the first few batches of ice before using them.
* Dont use ice machine water to make drinks that are consumed raw. If you are going to use ice machine water to make drinks, be sure to boil the water first. This will kill any bacteria that may be present.
Conclusion
Ice machine water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can pose a health risk to you and your family. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent getting sick from ice machine water.
In addition to the tips listed above, you may also want to consider purchasing an ice maker that has a built-in water filter. This will help to further reduce the amount of bacteria present in the water.
