Dr Saurabh Sethi raises alarms about health risks linked to wearing outdoor shoes inside, highlighting the contaminants they can bring into homes.
Health expert Dr Saurabh Sethi has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with wearing outdoor shoes inside the home, warning that it could pose serious threats to household hygiene. In a video shared on social media, Dr Sethi highlighted that shoes can carry a host of harmful toxins and pathogens due to their exposure to various environments.
Dr Sethi, who is based in California and has a background in medicine from Harvard, stated that the soles of shoes may bring in dangerous germs, including viruses and bacteria, as well as heavy metals like lead and pesticides. He cautioned that these contaminants can have severe health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants. “Wearing shoes indoors can bring dangerous germs and nasty bugs into your household,” he said, underscoring the risk of exposing children to harmful substances.
The doctor further claimed that outdoor footwear could also transport faecal bacteria into households, with alarming statistics suggesting that up to 96 per cent of shoes can carry such bacteria, including E. coli. Dr Sethi elaborated that this contamination could lead to severe gut infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs), which is particularly concerning for homes with crawling children who are more likely to put objects in their mouths.
The risks associated with E. coli, as indicated by NHS Inform, extend beyond contact with contaminated shoes. E. coli infections can arise from consuming undercooked meat, contaminated produce, or through direct contact with infected animals or their faeces. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever, with some cases resulting in bloody diarrhoea. According to NHS guidelines, individuals experiencing severe reactions or prolonged symptoms are advised to seek medical attention.
Dr Sethi’s emphasis on the importance of maintaining clean indoor environments and limiting the entry of contaminants has resonated with audiences, raising awareness of how seemingly harmless habits like wearing shoes at home can impact health.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.timesnownews.com/health/why-you-should-never-wear-shoes-indoors-doctor-warns-of-life-threatening-consequences-article-151404381 – This article supports Dr. Saurabh Sethi’s warning about the health risks of wearing outdoor shoes indoors, including the presence of harmful germs, toxins, and heavy metals.
- https://www.instagram.com/doctor.sethi/reel/C_3PElDvYc4/ – This URL links to a social media post where Dr. Sethi discusses why shoes should not be brought inside, aligning with his concerns about health risks.
- https://www.timesnownews.com/health/why-you-should-never-wear-shoes-indoors-doctor-warns-of-life-threatening-consequences-article-151404381 – The article further highlights the potential for shoes to carry pathogens like E. coli into households, which can lead to severe infections.
- https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/scv/rulesofcourt.pdf – Although unrelated to health concerns, this document demonstrates legal and procedural standards, reflecting a broader context of risk management and evidence-based claims.
- https://www.instagram.com/doctor.sethi/reel/C_3PElDvYc4/ – Dr. Sethi uses social media to raise awareness about the risks associated with wearing shoes indoors, including gut and urinary tract infections.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative references current health concerns, but it does not include specific time-sensitive information that could immediately identify it as old or recycled. I found no evidence of direct reuse from older articles.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Dr. Sethi are included, but I could not find earlier online sources confirming these specific quotes. This suggests they might be original, but without further confirmation, the score remains moderate.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable local news outlet (Birmingham Mail), which generally lends credibility to the information. However, the specific claims are attributed to an individual expert rather than a broader study or multiple sources.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about health risks from wearing outdoor shoes indoors are plausible, supported by general scientific knowledge about the spread of pathogens and contaminants. The narrative is consistent with established health guidelines.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be relatively fresh and originates from a reputable source. The quotes, while possibly original, enhance credibility by being attributed to a health expert. The plausibility of the health risks discussed is strong based on scientific principles.
