Too Many People Are Using Neti Pots and Vaporizers Unsafely, Survey Suggests
Many people may be using water straight from the tap for neti pots, CPAP (sleep apnea) machines, vaporizers, and humidifiers, a practice that could put them at risk for acquiring serious and even potentially life-threatening infections, according to survey findings published in the February 2023 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Using unsterilized tap water in equipment like a neti pot, a device for rising nasal passages to reduce congestion, is potentially risky because low levels of microorganisms remain in drinking water distribution systems and wells, according to the survey authors. These include biofilm pathogens, a type of germ that can stick to water pipes and infiltrate the water system.The list of potential pathogens in tap water includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM),…