Urban Brine Inhalers Pose Health Risk Due to High Bacteria Levels, Experts Warn

Urban brine inhalers, often perceived as promoting a healthy microclimate, are raising health concerns due to potentially high levels of dangerous bacteria, including Escherichia coli. Experts warn that the water and aerosol produced by these public installations may harbor more harmful bacteria than previously thought, even exceeding levels found in livestock sheds.

Unlike brine inhalers found in health resorts, which are subject to strict regulations and regular monitoring, municipal inhalers are often treated as simple water features, similar to fountains. This legal status means they do not undergo routine sanitary inspections or water quality testing. Consequently, the closed-loop water systems in these urban structures can become breeding grounds for bacteria, especially since the water is not disinfected like that in swimming pools or jacuzzis.

Professor Katarzyna Wolny-Koładka from the University of Agriculture in Krakow conducted studies on three such facilities in Krakow, finding E. coli concentrations in the brine higher than in local rivers. Furthermore, the aerosol generated near these inhalers contained more fecal bacteria than samples taken from barns in earlier research. Specialists in infectious diseases, like Professor Anna Boroń-Kaczmarska, emphasize that direct contact with the water or allowing the aerosol to enter the respiratory system can lead to infections, primarily gastrointestinal issues.

While these inhalers can offer relief from heat and humidify the air, health experts strongly advise caution. Recommendations include keeping a safe distance from the inhaler, limiting exposure time, and crucially, refraining from touching the water or applying it to the body. This approach aims to balance the potential benefits of the inhalers with the significant health risks they may pose.

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