Scientists have warned that rubber ducks are a haven for harmful bacteria.
A new study has revealed that 80 percent of the loveable bath toys contained pathogenic bacteria including Legionella.
The study was conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, ETH Zurich and the University of Illinois.
It found that the toys have the ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth.
Researchers tested the level of bacteria in the rubber ducks by exposing some toys to clean bathwater and others to dirty bathwater over an 11 week period.
Fungal species were detected in almost 60% of the real bath toys and in all the dirty-water control toys.
Researchers also found that the toys contained between 5 million and 75 million bacteria cells per square centimetre.
A statement on the study said: "During bathing, other key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as additional bacteria, are contributed by the human body (body fluids such as urine and sweat), external contaminants and personal care products."
Researchers also warned that while certain amounts of bacteria can help strengthen children’s immune systems, they can also lead to eye and ear infections.
The findings have left many people online upset.
While Matthew Abraham wrote: "Put breakfast sandwich down after the rubber duck story."
The research was funded by the Swiss government as part of research into household objects.
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