The danger of bath toys in Japan

In recent years, scientists have proven that bath toys are a haven for germs and bacteria. Research from Switzerland revealed that after just eleven weeks a bath toy had 75 million bacterial cells per 1 cm2. Moreover, in Japan, its not just bacteria you have to worry about, but mold too. No doubt if you have lived in Japan for more than just a few weeks, you are all too familiar with how quickly mold grows in Japan.

What you need to pay attention to is that it is a type of toy that is hollow inside, such as rubber ducks with a little hole at the bottom. Water accumulates inside, making it easy for bacteria to grow. Similarly, mold can also grow quite rapidly. If you want to keep a bath toy, you need to make sure that the water is completely drained and then disinfect it by soaking it in boiling water, then making sure it dries completely to prevent mold.

Water guns can also be lethal. Not just in the bath, but ones you use out on the street or in your garden. I remember seeing a lunch time program on Japanese TV discussing the dangers of water guns. They discussed the risk of, and reports of, eye infections caused by water gun play. 

Do you wash or replace your kids bath toys frequently? I am in the 'replace' group because things like rubber ducks and water guns are difficult to wash thoroughly and prevent mold from growing. In my opinion, its just not worth the risk.