Skip to main content

People may think they touch some filthy surfaces such as public washroom toilets and ATMs, but the dirtiest thing people touch regularly is something every driver does regularly.

A new study by Kimberly-Clark Professional finds that gas pump handles contain the most germs.

"People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on an escalator," says Professor of Microbiology Dr. Charles Gerba in a statement.

Hygienists conducted the test by swabbing surfaces in high-traffic areas in six major U.S. cities and measuring levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). "Objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission," reads the statement.

People have a 71 per cent chance of picking up a dirty pump when filling up. Mailbox handles come in at 68 per cent, escalator railings at 43 per cent, ATM buttons at 41 per cent, parking metres at 40 per cent, crosswalk buttons and vending machines at 35 per cent.

As suggested by CTV, objects like gas pumps and mailboxes are so dirty probably because nobody ever cleans them. Good point. Have you ever seen anyone clean either of these?

This isn't the first time people have been warned about how dirty everyday objects can be. A study out of the U.K. in January found that ATMs and public toilets carry the same bacteria that can cause sickness and diarrhea.

"This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene," says Gerba. "Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day, can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office."

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Actually I was about 13 and was assisting in a drug store, my mom and the owner's wife were chatting in a corner when a fellow walked in and asked for a pack of Sheik, the owner's wife was unsure what he wanted and the fellow turned to me and asked if I knew, I played stupid, hehehehe

The banna suck e teeth and walk out the store. A while after, the owner returned and the ladies asked about the item in question, when they found out what it was, the owner's wife said something like, "Ohhhh Po Cain, a ole man like dat think dat he (the cain) know dem tings" hahahaha


Come to think of it, maybe it was the owner who sent the guy to pick it up for him, hmmmmm.
cain

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×