Time to ditch rubber ducks

Geneva – Scientific curiosity knows no bounds: a group of Swiss and US researchers have delved into “the dark side” of inviting rubber ducks and other flexible plastic toys into our tubs.

Any plastic materials dunked in bathwater provide ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth, according to the conclusions of the joint study, published by the Swiss government this week.

“Dense growths of bacteria and fungi are found on the inner surface of these flexible toys and a murky liquid will often be released when they are squeezed by a child,” the Swiss government statement said.

“Fungal species were detected in almost 60% of the real bath toys and in all the dirty-water control toys,” the statement concluded. –