Why were wooden cots in early healthcare facilities considered problematic for sanitation?

Answer

Wood is a porous material that absorbed bodily fluids, pathogens, and waste, making disinfection nearly impossible.

In the period before the adoption of standardized medical furniture, care facilities relied heavily on wooden cots. Because wood is porous, it acted as a harbor for bacteria and germs, absorbing fluids and other contaminants from patients. As medical practices began to incorporate germ theory, it became clear that such porous materials could not be effectively sterilized or scrubbed down with the harsh cleaning agents required to maintain a sanitary environment. This fundamental flaw necessitated the transition to metal materials, which offered durable, non-porous surfaces that could be disinfected to prevent the spread of infections.

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