Wary of Germs? Our “Filthy 5” Items May Shock You!

Let’s face it: Germs are everywhere. But the five items covered here are especially dirty and germ-infested—in some cases even more so than even your toilet seat! What’s worse, you probably use most of these common items multiple times every day. Go ahead—read through our list and see if you suddenly feel like washing your hands.

#1. Gas Pump Handles

A study by the University of Arizona sampling gas pumps was, in a word, alarming! Researchers were astounded not only by the number of microbes present on gas pump handles, but the type of germs. Of the gas pumps sample, a whopping 71 percent of them were “highly contaminated” with microbes associated with illness and disease. So the next time you pull into a self-service gas station to fill up, put on a pair of gloves.

How to clean gas pump handles: If you don’t have a pair of gloves, use alcohol-based wipes to clean the handles of gas pumps before use. Or, immediately use hand sanitizer after pumping gas.

#2. Cellphones and Tablets

Research has shown that cell phones are portable health hazards with tens of thousands of microbes living on each square inch of the them. A 2013 study performed by a British watchdog group called Which? examined 30 tablets, 30 mobile phones, and an office toilet seat, swabbing each of them for analysis. One iPad had up to 600 units per swab of Staphylococcus (a bacteria that causes food poisoning and stomach issues). The cell phones had up to 140 units of the bacteria. And, surprisingly, the office toilet seat had fewer than 20 units of bacteria.

In a small study by the University of Oregon, scientists tested the index fingers and thumbs of 17 subjects along with the touchscreens of their smartphones. They found an 82 percent overlap between the types of bacteria found on participants’ fingers and on their phones. And, the women had more bacteria on their phones than men.

Of the more than 7,000 different types of bacteria the researchers identified, the most common were in the Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium families.

Of even greater concern is that, according to research, cellphones can act as potential carriers of nosocomial infections (infections acquired while being treated at a hospital). In the case of healthcare providers, smartphones used by males showed significantly higher levels of microbes than those used by females.

How to clean your cellphone: Spray an alcohol- or vinegar-based cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe down your cell phone. Then, take a Q-tip and dip it in the cleaner, but be sure not to soak the Q-tip completely (a light amount will suffice). Trace around the edges of your mobile phone, the buttons, and any other crevices. Then, air-dry the phone for a few minutes.

#3. Purses and Handbags

According to research by a British group called Initial Washroom Hygiene, the average handbag is three times dirtier than an office toilet seat. And, 1 in 5 handbag handles contain enough germs to pose a significant risk of cross-contamination from the handle to your hand. While the handles clearly contained the most bacteria, the contents inside the bag were also loaded with microbes. Of those, lotion bottles and lipstick were the dirtiest.

How to clean your purse or handbag: If you use a purse that can be cleaned in the laundry, do so with warm water. For leather purses, clean the outside and handles with warm water and soap. Then, use another damp washcloth to wipe off the soap. Last, dry with a towel. The contents inside the purse can be cleaned with an alcohol-based wipe.

#4. Money

Money is the root of all evil—and it’s also the root of germs. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause life-threatening blood infections, can survive on currency. Other pathogens found on money include E. coli and Pseudonomnas aeruoginosa. A report in Scientific American notes, “The fibrous surfaces of U.S. currency provide ample crevices for bacteria to make themselves at home. And the longer any of that money stays in circulation, the more opportunity it has to become contaminated.”

How to clean money: More and more we use debit cards as currency. If that’s your preference, all the better in terms of germs: You can wipe your debit card with an alcohol pad periodically. However, if you’ve picked up some well-traveled bills, you can always give them a quick bath. Place paper money on a towel; dip a soft toothbrush in a warm-water-and-soap solution, then lightly brush one side of the money. Flip over, and wash the other side. Allow to air dry. Filthy coins? Soak them in a solution of warm water and soap; then, air-dry on a towel.

#5. Toothbrush

Yes, it’s gross! But, according to researchers at the University of Manchester in England, your toothbrush may be the dirtiest item in your home—and you put it in your mouth every single day. The study revealed that a toothbrush can contain more than 10 million bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus. What’s worse? The University of Alabama-Birmingham found fecal matter on toothbrushes, too.

How to clean your toothbrush: Number one, don’t flush where you brush! Store your toothbrush away from the toilet. If your toilet is next to your bathroom sink, consider using a toothbrush cover, or storing it in a counter or drawer. But make sure the toothbrush is dry before storing. Placing a wet toothbrush in a dark environment increases the chance for mold growth. Also, you can use mouthwash to disinfect your toothbrush. Once per week, pour the mouthwash in a glass and allow your toothbrush to soak for about 20 to 30 seconds. Last, you should buy a replacement toothbrush every three months. They are inexpensive and definitely worth the investment.

---

[1] Br J Dermatol. 2008 Mar; 158(3): 442–455.
[2] Asian J Research / Hindu College of Pharmacy. 2017 Oct.
[3] Shiraz E Med J. 2017 April, 18(4).
[4] Are Gas Pumps The Dirtiest Thing That You Touch? (2015, June 01). Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://cleantechnica.com/2015/06/01/are-gas-pumps-the-dirtiest-thing-that-you-touch/
[5] BDJ. 2016 July, 221(44).
[6] You’ll never look at your toothbrush the same way again. (2016, November 14). Retrieved February 24, 2018, from http://www.stelizabeth.com/healthyheadlines/toothbrush-bacteria/
[7] Maron, D. F. (2017, January 03). Dirty Money. Retrieved March 1, 2018, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dirty-money/

The post Wary of Germs? Our “Filthy 5” Items May Shock You! appeared first on University Health News.

Read Original Article: Wary of Germs? Our “Filthy 5” Items May Shock You! »

Powered by WPeMatico