Biofilm: The Reason You Should Be Cleaning Your Bong Water
What is Biofilm on your Bong Water? (and Why You Need to Clean Your Bong) from CannabisNet on Vimeo.
Being a responsible cannabis consumer entails many things: proper storage, cleaning, and using the right strain for your needs, among many others. Without the proper care, your cannabis paraphernalia can actually make you sick – because of biofilm.
Dirty bong water can be a host for numerous kinds of yeast, bacteria, fungi and other kinds of microbes; all of which form biofilm. When microbes begin to excrete substances that enable them to latch onto surfaces such as plastic and cannabis plant residue like those found inside your bong, then the biofilm will begin to grow. Biofilm actually protects these microbes, which is why infections caused by them are more difficult to treat and makes them a serious health risk. Biofilm is also resistant to antibiotic treatment. This is because antibiotics aren’t strong enough to penetrate through the biofilm.
According to the Montana State University Center for Biofilm Research, “Biofilms grow virtually everywhere, in almost any environment where there is a combination of moisture, nutrients, and a surface.” Even if your bong is clean, any water left in it can encourage the formation of biofilm. You are at higher risk for consuming contaminated bong water due to biofilm once the cannabis resin and other plant materials accumulate inside the bong. Even mold can grow from the stagnant tap water in your bong as well as humidifiers.
When biofilm is present, the microbes become more immune from toxic compounds and can thrive longer – which is a reason for you to worry. Biofilm is also the same substance that causes discolorations in bathroom sinks and bathtubs. When we’re talking about cannabis, biofilm can affect all parts of the plant including the buds, leaves, and roots.
Biofilm can form in as little as 24 hours which is why it’s so important to clean your bong properly using boiling water after every use. It’s estimated that 80% of human diseases affecting the sex organs, lungs, mouth, teeth, heart, eyes, skin, and ears are caused by microorganisms that grow from biofilm. Many antibiotics and even antiseptics fail to efficiently get rid of mature biofilm, which makes it more difficult to treat chronic infections its caused. This is why the best way to get rid of biofilm is to physically get rid of the infected area mechanically. Cleaning your bong with salt and isopropyl alcohol once a week will do the trick in ensuring that your bong is safe from biofilm.
The Nasty Species Lurking In Your Dirty Bong Water
These are just a few of the most common kinds of bacteria that can thrive in your bong as well as household water devices that can contribute to chronic conditions caused by biofilm:
Aspergillus is a kind of fungus that usually grow on cannabis plants. When aspergillus or other kinds of microbes break down through burning, it releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins. When you inhale these mycotoxins, you can get extremely sick. Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning include coughs, chest pain, and other infections. Additionally, aspergillus spores are so strong that they can even survive burning. A 2011 study discussed 2 cases of medical cannabis patients who suffered from severe lung dysfunction caused by aspergillus after smoking.
Streptococcus is a common kind of bacteria that is found almost everywhere, including animals and humans. Streptococcus is the bacteria responsible for causing scarlet ever, pneumonia, and strep throat. Streptococcus can only be found in water if the existing environment has already been contaminated, which is why it’s important to keep your bong clean. If you have pets, keep your bongs away from them because they can pass on the bacteria to your bong and cause disease.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another common type of bacteria that even healthy people have inside their bodies. The only time this kind of bacteria can be harmful to your health is if they grow excessively or in the wrong places, like in household appliances that contain water – including humidifiers and your bong. If you have a compromised immune system, you’re more at risk of developing infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa such as confusion, shock, cough, pneumonia, chills, and fever.
Escherichia coli, also known as E.coli, tends to thrive when you use contaminated water in your bong or if the water has been exposed to human or animal waste. E. coli contamination is more likely to occur if you have pets or if you don’t wash your hands after you use the john. E.coli is also commonly found in food products and the kitchen; hence the importance of always using sanitized bongs, washing your hands, and using clean water. E.coli can also be found in the cannabis plant itself even if it hasn’t been exposed to contaminated bong water, leading to respiratory infections.
Flavobacterium is a form of bacteria found in household products that hold stagnant water. It’s also found in freshwater and soils, and can cause diseases even in fish. If humans are exposed to flavobacterium, it can cause respiratory infections and fever.
These kinds of bacteria can be found in both bongs and humidifiers, as well as any household object that contains stagnant water for too long. So never, ever forget to clean your bong!
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