When using a baby changing table in a public toilet, most mums pop a blanket or a changing mat down and don’t think anything of it.
But one mother has warned against simply topping the table with a cover of your own and going about your business.
Jessica Wayman, a mum and recovering drug addict from Indiana, USA has warned that parents should always wipe down changing tables before using them to avoid transferring drug residue onto their children’s belongings.
She shared an image on her Facebook page of a public changing table covered in black scuffmarks that appear to be just everyday wear and tear.
She explained the marks, which can also be commonly found in many cities throughout the UK, are far from what they appear to be. They are actually scuffs caused by drug paraphernalia, as she claims these tables are regularly used by drug users.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2115304351834309&set=a.231467576884672&type=3&theater
‘Before putting your babies anywhere near these things, ALWAYS wipe them down first,’ writes Jessica. ‘Even if you are in a hurry, even if you have a blanket to lay down.
‘See the black marks? Those are from burnt spoons. Addicts use these as tables while they shoot up. There could be residue from heroin/meth whatever, and other harmful bodily fluids.
‘If someone doesn’t care about themselves, I can promise you, they aren’t thinking about your kids. Be cautious.
She hopes to warn parents, guardians and babysitters about the dangers of not cleaning the area properly before use and says it could mean the difference between ‘life or death/serious life threatening injury’ for children.
I am a recovering addict myself, which is why I made this post in the first place, to warn all the unsuspecting parents who would never think something like this when looking at a changing table,’ adds Jessica.
‘Along with people using them as tables while they shoot up, they are also OFTEN used by addicts to bust drugs out and crush them up upon. So again, be cautious.’
The post has had more than 100,000 shares since it was posted on Sunday so hopefully will be able to make the difference that this cautious mum is hoping for.
