Latest news with #JohnHorner
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Deadly bacteria found in one part of thousands of UK homes can be killed using 35p product
Research suggests there are 4000-6000 cases of the potentially deadly disease in Britain each year. Shower heads in UK homes could be harbouring potentially deadly bacteria that puts families at risk each day, according to experts. It's believed regular cleaning of this part of your bathroom is something many householder's often forget to do, however doing so, is vital to prevent the build-up of legionella bacteria, which can cause serious health problems. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It can be found in a range of man-made water systems including taps, showers, air conditioning units, spa pools and hot tubs. John Horner, Managing Director of luxury bathroom retailer 34 Stjohn, said dirty shower heads create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to multiply undetected. John said: "Many people scrub their bathrooms weekly but completely forget about their shower heads. A grimy shower head isn't just unsightly - it could be harboring dangerous bacteria that gets sprayed directly onto your face and body." He added that visible limescale often signals bacterial buildup beneath, saying: "What looks like harmless mineral deposits can actually hide colonies of harmful bacteria." According to John cleaning with a simple vinegar solution is highly effective. He said: "You don't need expensive cleaning products to tackle this problem. A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can break down mineral deposits where bacteria hide." The bathroom expert recommends unscrewing your shower head and soaking it overnight in this solution. "After soaking, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. John pointed out that guest bathrooms or infrequently used showers pose particular risks. He said: "Shower heads that aren't used regularly become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria because water sits stagnant in the pipes and head. "If you have showers that aren't used weekly, run them for a few minutes to flush out the system." According to HSE guidance, legionella bacteria multiplies when temperatures are between 20-45C and nutrients are available. The bacteria becomes dormant below 20C and does not survive above 60C. The HSE notes that anyone can develop Legionnaires' disease, but the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and those with cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk. John said that while the risk of Legionnaires' disease is relatively low in most homes, the consequences can be serious. He added: "Legionnaires' disease can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, which is why prevention is so important. Taking five minutes to clean your shower head could protect your family's health." Research suggests there are 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
You're cleaning your bathroom wrong! Expert reveals the proper way to scrub your shower and toilet - and why you should NEVER mix products
It's one of the worst chores to get landed with. But experts have now warned that – aside from the yuck factor – there are hidden dangers linked to cleaning your bathroom. Common household cleaning errors could be damaging expensive fixtures and putting family health at risk, they said. And the most frequent mistake is mixing cleaning products together. John Horner, Managing Director at luxury bathroom company 34 St John, said most homeowners unknowingly use harsh cleaning methods that strip finishes from high-end fixtures. They also create harmful chemical cocktails in their bathrooms. 'The most frequent mistake we see is mixing cleaning products together to create a 'super cleaner' which people believe will tackle stubborn stains better,' he said. 'This actually creates toxic fumes that can cause serious respiratory issues and damage delicate finishes on premium fittings.' This dangerous practice typically happens when bleach products combine with either vinegar-based cleaners or ammonia products, he explained. The chemical reaction produces chlorine gas, which irritates the respiratory system and can cause serious health problems. Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency echoes this concern, stating: 'Avoid mixing cleaning products together as this can create toxic fumes.' Poor ventilation can exacerbate the issue, Mr Horner explained, as chemical vapours from cleaning products concentrate in small bathroom spaces. 'Always open windows and run exhaust fans during and after cleaning,' he said. 'This removes chemical fumes and prevents excessive moisture that leads to mould growth behind fixtures.' Other mistakes include using abrasive cleaners on specialty finishes, he said. 'Many luxury taps and fittings feature special coatings like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze,' he explained. 'Harsh cleaning powders scratch these surfaces permanently. 'For most premium finishes, warm water with mild soap applied with a soft cloth offers effective cleaning without damage.' Another mistake involves neglecting frequently-touched surfaces during routine cleaning. Door handles, light switches and tap handles harbour more bacteria than most bathroom surfaces, yet often receive less cleaning attention, he warned. 'People focus on visibly dirty areas like toilets while overlooking touch points that transfer germs most readily,' Mr Horner pointed out. 'Standard protocol should include wiping these areas daily with appropriate cleaners.' The fifth mistake involves improper storage of cleaning products in bathroom environments. 'Many homeowners keep cleaning supplies under the sink, which seems logical but actually creates multiple problems,' Mr Horner said. He explained that warm, humid bathroom conditions degrade product effectiveness while proximity to water sources increases accident risks. Another piece of advice is that people should always use protective gloves for cleaning tasks, as repeated exposure to chemicals causes skin irritation. And, finally, daily light cleaning is preferable to a 'deep clean' once every fortnight, as it can prevent build-up that later requires harsh treatment.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
FMA Issues Infringement Notice To Pharmazen Limited
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) - Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has issued an infringement notice to Pharmazen Limited for failing to file financial statements on time. Pharmazen has not yet filed audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 that were due by 30 April 2025, as required under section 461H of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMC Act). It was also late to file financial statements in 2024 and 2023. Pharmazen informed the FMA that the delay this year was due to ongoing negotiations with their bank about matters relevant to the entity's going concern assessment. Pharmazen has notified the FMA that it intends to publish its financial statements on 6 June 2025. FMA Director of Markets, Investors and Reporting John Horner says, 'Financial statements provide investors and other stakeholders with important information for decision-making purposes. For many FMC reporting entities, financial statements are the only source of financial information available. It's a fundamental obligation that reliable financial statements are made available to the public in a timely manner'. 'Entities should report within the required timeframes regardless of challenges impacting the going concern assessment. Informing investors in a timely way is essential to enable them to make informed decisions,' says Mr Horner. The FMA's infringement notice requires Pharmazen to pay a $7,500 fee for an infringement offence under s 461H of the FMC Act. It has 28 days to pay the infringement fee or respond to the notice.
