Student athletes are familiar with locker room health hazards, such as MRSA and athlete’s foot. Turns out, showerheads pose another health risk.

Showerheads are dark, warm and wet – the perfect host for breeding bacteria.

When bacteria are trapped in showerheads, a substance called biofilm accumulates,  according to a new study conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

But exactly what is biofilm? And more importantly, what steps can school officials take to protect student athletes?

Biofilm is the coat of slime made up of potentially disease-causing bacteria, such as mycobacterium avium and L. pneumophila.

Levels of these bacteria are more than 100 times higher in shower water (due to biofilm build up) than in pre-shower water, according to recent research by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

And when showerhead faucets are turned on, the biofilm is sprayed onto bodies.

The good news: Most bacteria will not hurt us. Students who have weakened immune systems are most susceptible to lung infections caused by biofilm.

The research concluded that cleanliness is the most important step to reducing biofilm health risks. Two inexpensive ways:

• clean showerheads regularly with steel brushes and cleaning solvents, and
• replace showerheads at least once a year.

Do you find this news surprising? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: locker rooms, National Academy of Sciences, safety, showers