H E A LT H
Is your handbag
full of germs ?
Y
our handbag not only stores your essential items,
but also loads of germs.Thought your handbag
only stored your most essential items? Well, researchers say most women don't realise the impact of
their handbags on their health. Remember that your
handbag travels with you wherever you go, gets placed
in different places and pick up germs on the way. You'll
be surprised to know the health hazards that are lurking
in the recesses of your precious bag.
Hazard 1: Water bottles
Carrying a water bottle may seem to be sensible, but
constantly drinking from a plastic bottle is not good for
your health. Experts say unsafe
chemicals
like
phthalates, present in the plastic,
can mix with the
water over time.
And this can lead
to hormone imbalances and fertility problems. The
longer you use a
plastic bottle, the
more the concentration of harmful chemicals that
gets seeped into
the water.
Solution: Use a
metal or glass bottle instead. While
stainless steel or aluminium bottles will minimise the
possibility of breakage, you can wrap glass bottles in a
protective plastic or silicone bag.
Hazard 2: Your makeup
An average woman carries at least three to eight pieces
of makeup in her handbag. And if one glance at your
handbag reveals tons of lipgloss, mascaras, blushers,
foundations, etc - it is time you sat down and discarded
all the expired products. Makeup that is past its expiry
date harbours bacteria. Mascaras, especially, should be
used very carefully because they can harbour bacteria.
The bacteria multiply in the dark, warm and moist environment of the mascara tube. Using this mascara can
then lead to eye infections.
Solution: Throw out your mascara every six months and
other products once they are past their expiry date. Keep
your makeup brushes clean by washing them regularly
and avoid sharing makeup.
Hazard 3: Used tissues and handkerchiefs
How many times have you kept a used tissue or a hanky
in your handbag, only to tell yourself that you wil