Mom Warns of the Surprise Dangers of Black Marks on Public Changing Tables

When thinking of public restrooms and changing tables, it's natural to question cleanliness—but one mom by the name of Jessica Wayman is using Facebook to warn others of a baby health hazard that many people would have never considered. In Wayman's now viral post, she shared a photo of a public bathroom changing table with black marks—the result of burnt spoons left by drug users.

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"PSA: Before putting your babies anywhere near these things, ALWAYS wipe them down first. 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," Wayman explained. "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."

Wayman asked her followers to spread this sentiment in hopes of saving a child from life-threatening injuries as many parents, guardians, and babysitters are unaware of the dangers associated with these black marks—the post now has 172K shares on Facebook.

After receiving tons of feedback—skepticism included—Wayman added to her post explaining that she is now a recovering addict, which is how she knows first-hand of this issue.

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"I never expected this to get so much attention, but since it is, to clarify some of the things I'm seeing being questioned, this is in reference to changing stations in single person bathrooms & in handicapped stalls, yes this is VERY REAL," Wayman wrote. "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. 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."

By opening up and telling her story, Wayman was able to shed light on a hazard so little people know about. Her comments are filled with parents thanking her for the heads up, and we do too!