Why Children Fall Sick More Often from Hidden Germs Around the Home?

Ever wonder why children appear to pick up every small germ circulating in the house? With Diwali approaching, homes are filled with visitors, sweets, and additional activity, and that is when latent germs can cause serious danger.

From sticky floors and messy toys to clogged water in drains, these microscopic intruders are ubiquitous. In fact, studies show that children under the age of 5 in India are at a 7–9% risk of diarrhoeal infections every year, primarily due to daily domestic exposure. The secret to keeping your family from getting ill lies in knowing where germs are and how they spread. 

Why Are Children More Vulnerable?

Kids are naturally curious, and their tiny hands and mouths are always exploring, which unfortunately makes them prime targets for household germs. Since their immune systems are still growing, they can become unwell very quickly from exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites that adults can easily tolerate.

Studies indicate that toys, kitchen floors, and even stored drinking water frequently have fecal bacteria or other pathogens, with resultant ongoing low-level exposure. The study further reported that almost 40% of domestic water samples from urban India had coliform bacteria, with detectable germs on frequently used common play places and toys as a result of poor cleaning. Include practices such as leaving standing water in a container, clogged drains, or poorly managed child feces, and the risk increases further.

How Household Practices Increase Risk?

Some common home customs in India can unwittingly contribute to germ havens, and your septic system—if not treated with the right septic tank cleaner—often plays a behind-the-scenes role. Kids are particularly susceptible when these dangers come together. Be cautious of:

• Clogged or overflowing septic tanks – leaks or clogs can allow parasites and bacteria to escape into the environment.
• Blocked or stagnant drains – still water around your house becomes a host for microbes.
• Water storage behavior – additional water for cleanliness or rituals during Diwali can be stuck around, and germs get additional time to grow.
• Closed windows and poor circulation – festival activities such as having incense or decorations indoors decrease air, allowing moisture and microbes to settle.
• Child contact with infested surfaces – children touching floors, toys, or drains close to the septic zone raises the risk of exposure.

Even occasional slips in daily care and water handling can turn hidden areas around the septic system into infection hotbeds, increasing children's chances of becoming ill.

7 Practical Ways to Reduce Exposure for Children

A few simple, consistent habits around the house can significantly reduce their exposure to hidden germs:

1. Encourage thorough handwashing – Before meals, after using the restroom, and after playing outside, teach children to rinse their hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Even small lapses can increase exposure to pathogens that escape from drains or septic leaks.
2. Clean floors and frequently touched items – Mop floors and wipe surfaces near bathrooms and drains daily. Toys, remote controls, and doorknobs should be cleaned regularly with safe disinfectants to remove lingering bacteria.
3. Store water safely – Avoid keeping buckets, mugs, or containers open, especially near bathrooms or drains. Cover water and clean storage vessels regularly to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
4. Properly dispose of diapers and soiled cloths – Never leave used diapers or cloth rags lying around. Dispose of waste in sealed bags and ensure toilets and septic system inlets are clear and functional.
5. Maintain bathrooms and drains – Check for leaks, unclog slow drains, and avoid stagnant water near your septic tank or toilets. Regular maintenance prevents microbial buildup and keeps the system functioning efficiently.
6. Control domestic activity during the festival period – Children are subjected to increased visitors, sweets, and inappropriate water consumption during Diwali. Keep them away from busy areas, avoid overloading storage drums, and inspect areas where stagnant water can gather.
7. Support the health of septic systems with clean treatments – Periodic uses of enzyme-based septic treatments such as Bioclean Septic Plus help to break down waste, avoid clogged drains, and reduce harmful bacterial load in domestic wastewater, diminishing infection danger to children.

Children's home health is not just about food and toys, but also about how we manage water, waste, and hygiene. From keeping drains clear and floors clean to monitoring septic systems, every small step counts in reducing exposure to hidden germs. Using safe septic tank cleaner solutions from Bioclean, designed to keep tanks and drains healthy, ensures your household stays cleaner, safer, and worry-free, just in time for the festive season.