Did you know that in a 30-minute period Americans touch roughly 300 different surfaces? According to sixwise.com, the University of Arizona tested over 800 surfaces in four U.S. cities and determined the 10 most germ-infested areas in public places:
- Playgrounds
- Bus rails/armrests
- Public bathrooms
- Shopping cart handles
- Escalator handrails
- Chair armrests
- Vending machine buttons
- Shared pens
- Public telephones
- Elevator buttons
Researchers tested for three specific biochemical markers, which were: hemoglobin (blood), alpha-amylase( mucus, saliva and/or urine), and urea (urine). They found that children's playgrounds were the most germ-infested areas with 44 percent of playground surfaces testing positive for bodily fluids. No wonder why kids always seem to have a persistent sniffle!
So, short of living in a bubble, what can one do to protect oneself from the germs around us? Washing one's hands after being in public places and especially after going to the bathroom (OKAY, MEN?!?) is a good way to stay germ free. Another measure one can take is to disinfect the common areas that people touch the most (computer keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, etc.).
No matter how clean you try to be, you can never be rid of germs, especially in the public places we visit, shop at and work in. So, don't freak out and just live your life!
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