(Image source from: Beware of those Halloween masks!)

Halloween is scary, but even scarier are those Halloween masks that are the trove of infinite germs and bacteria that can cause some serious, very serious damages to your health.

A little experiment conducted by biotechnology director  of Mesa Community College Stan Kikkert revealed shocking results. He found an assortment of bacteria, fungus and mold on the masks  that can make one sick.

"With all the masks we tested, there was micro-organisms present," Kikkert said. "If somebody has staphylococci in their nose or around their mouth, they could transfer that organism to the mask and that could definitely be transferred to the next person."

"There was one mask I found especially scary," said Kikkert. "It actually had foam on the inside. Foam is a great matrix for growing organisms."

Although he hasn't heard of any outbreaks or widespread health problems linked to Halloween masks yet, but considering the result of his tests,  he recommends that shoppers pause to think before trying on these masks at stores.

"After doing this test, I would not try on a mask at a store at all," said Kikkert.

However, if you are keen on getting one, then don't forget to clean it with an antiseptic wipe or  alcohol, warns Kikkert.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury