Dear mowgly,
Very interesting questions - yes, I have heard those dire warnings
too. But if one believes them, how are we ever supposed to feel safe
going out in public again? Ironically, the more we spray and scrub to
eliminate bacteria from our environments, the more we give the "super
bug" a chance to thrive. We must remain level-headed and use common
sense. The single most important prevention you can do is to get in
the habit of washing your hands throughout the day. If you do this,
there is little chance that you will become ill from germs in public
places. Except for bacteria which may irritate your skin or cause a
rash, there is little risk from merely getting some bacteria on your
body. The risk comes from transferring the bacteria to your mouth or
nose, where it gains entry inside your body. So if you keep your hands
clean, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The goal is not to live in
a sterile world (we couldn't), but to strike a friendly balance with
our environment - moderation in all things, including bugs!
Apparently most public buttons (ATM's, lifts etc ...) are covered with
traces of <gasp> urine and feces.
1) If this is true
I would say "not most" public buttons are covered with urine and
feces. Urine is sterile and causes little threat to your health
anyway. Most fecal bacteria is found in public places like washrooms
and daycare centers, other areas to a lesser degree.
2) What other nasties are on public buttons (germs, bacteria etc
...)
Mold, E-coli bacteria, chlamydia, streptococcus, cryptosporidium,
influenza and rhinoviruses, shigella, salmonella, to name some.
3) If (and to what extent) colds, flus and other illnesses can be
transmitted by the use of public buttons
Colds and flus are transmitted by bodily fluids, sneezing and coughing
in particular, because of their airborne abilities. Actually, that is
usually how we catch colds. We can go outside on a cold winter's day
and never catch a sniffle, but coming in contact with the bacteria or
virus is another matter. Let's say someone has a cold and coughs into
their hand and then you come along and shake that same hand. No harm
will come of this polite exchange unless you then proceed to put your
hand to your mouth or rub your nose before you wash your hands.
4) If, buttons are the worst for this problem in public places (I
imagine money and handrails are also bad)
[I imagine you mean 'which' buttons are worst for this problem]
Generally speaking, public areas with water (beaches, pools,
washrooms) harbour more of a threat to your health. You need not worry
too much about paper money and coins because they are too dry for
bacteria to live on. Remember, living organisms need water to thrive.
1. Public pay phone because of proximity to mouths and noses.
2. Public restroom doorknobs, faucets, etc. because there is usually
moisture present.
ABC News has a handy check-list, graded from "Not to Worry" to
"Definite Risks" - a sensible guide to healthy living.
ABC News: Where the Germs Are
Copyright © 2001 ABC News Internet Ventures
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/MensHealth/menshealth_23.html
Additional links:
1. Parenthood.com: The top eight most unhygienic areas:
http://www.parenthood.com/parent_cfmfiles/pros.cfm?n=1901&target=telephones
2. Health Smart: Toilet Hygiene at Home and On the Road:
http://www.gphealthsmart.com/tips/toilet.asp
3. The DeKalb County Health Department: Washing your hands:
http://www.dekalbcounty.org/health_oct10_handwash.html
Search Strategy:
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=public+buttons&num=100&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=germs&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images
Terms used:
public
buttons
"germs"
I hope I've helped to ease your worries a bit, but please do not
hesitate to ask for further clarification.
Sincerely,
hummer |
,
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