Exposing the microfauna on unwashed clothes through Foldscope

Nov 29, 2018 • 11:45 PM UTC

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Microorganisms

Sangita

Fabrics when in mist state are exposed to fungi. The fungi development can be seen using foldscope. fungi damages and ruptures the fiber structure thus leading to weakening of fibers.

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Health and hygiene are two important interlinked parameters, for example, It is obvious that clothing picks up dirt from the environment and work areas. In fact, a human shed about 500 million skin cells and a liter of sweat every day. Our clothing absorbs this sweat and other secretions from our body. The body heat makes these dirty clothing a favorable for bacteria or fungi to live and grow. These bacteria feed on sweat and skin oils and start breaking the proteins into smelly by-products. Also, the natural body fluids like sweat, urine which are not visible and stains from food and drinks which are visible produce odor in our clothing. Hence washing the clothes on regular basis is of utmost importance to maintain personal hygiene. Washing of clothing not only removes all unwanted impurities thus making the garment look better, more hygienic and smell fresh but also kills the bacteria and prevents skin infections.
Workshop in Marapadol village, Rajaborari, Madhya Pradesh was conducted to emphasize personal cleanliness. Foldscope was used to show students dirt on unwashed clothes. Emphasis was also laid on oral hygiene, h and hygiene, f oot hygiene, b ody hygiene . 40 students between the age group of 5 to 10 years participated in the workshop.

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