There is nothing pleasant about the cute-yellow rubber duck

Scientists have the dirt on the rubber ducky: Those cute yellow bath-time toys are as some parents have long suspected a haven for nasty bugs. Here's the low-down:

Are you trying to get me to reminisce about my childhood?
Not quite. This is not going to be pleasant


What! Why? What is not nice about the rubber ducky?
Researchers recently found it to be infested with bacteria.

I've heard it is not safe, but tell me more.
The scientists found pathogenic bacteria in the murky residual liquid inside the squeezy bath toys.

Oh, that is bad news!
You bet. The bacteria could cause eye, ear and intestinal infections. And they found fungus inside the toys, too.

Is it because of the water?
Not usually. It's actually the lowquality polymers in the plastic used to make the toy, which releases carbon that the bacteria feed on.

Will higher-grade plastic help?
Yes, it could prevent bacterial and fungal growth

I think i'll just play it safe and not gift a rubber ducky to any of my friends' kids.
Not a bad idea.