A doctor is warning people about an unusual ‘pink slime’ which can appear in bathrooms and can leave people with chest infections. While it is referred to as ‘pink slime’, it is not actually slime, but rather bacteria that appears in damp corners of bathrooms if not given regular access to fresh air and cleaning products.
So, to clear up any confusion, Dr Karan Raj took to TikTok to educate people about this ‘slime’. Not only did he explain what exactly the ‘slime’ is, but he also warned people just how dangerous it can be to humans.
Dr Raj said: “If you’ve seen this pink slime lurking in your bathroom it’s not mould, it’s bacteria. Specifically one called Serratia marcescens, and it vomits hot pink all over your bathroom.
“This bacteria loves damp, moist places and enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos. Hence why it likes to hang out in your steamy bathroom.”
The bacteria can be “pretty harmless”, according to Dr Raj, even when coming into contact with it. However, he said you still wouldn’t want to get it into “eyes or open wounds”.
While this is true for most people, it’s a different story for those who are immunocompromised. For vulnerable people, becoming exposed to this bacteria can become dangerous quickly, as it can cause infections in the chest, gut, and in urine.
Dr Raj also warned that the development of pink slime could signal bad things for the future, as it suggests your house will develop moulds in the future. He said: “If your home has enough for damp for pink slime to consistently develop, you could actually be growing other things as well like actual household moulds which could be causing respiratory issues or allergies.”
If you want to prevent the bacteria from developing and curb the development of mould, Dr Raj advises to keep bathrooms and showers “dry and well ventilated.” He said: “Put on an exhaust fan or open a window after showering to keep humidity levels low, and regularly clean and disinfect your bathroom.”
At the end of the video he left viewers with an important reminder that you bathroom is “filthier than you think.”