Photo: Cliparts
Somehow, most of us grow up with the apparently correct idea that money - as in banknotes and coins - are one of the biggest germ carriers threatening our immune system. But what about the gas pump?
Every day, millions of motorists fuel their cars. Nothing wrong here. As they do it, they come in contact with a familiar object, namely the gas pump. And that can lead to health issues, researchers say.
According to a study quoted by the LA Times, 'the gas pump is the germiest, filthiest thing we touch in everyday life'. This conclusion belongs to a microbiologist from the University of Arizona, nicknamed Dr. Germ.
His real name is Dr. Charles Gerba and the research he conducted revealed that "71% of gas pump handles and 68% of corner mailbox handles are 'highly contaminated' with the kinds of germs most associated with a high risk of illness". In other words, too much refueling could be bad for your health.
However, there are ways to protect yourself from this. Common sense and basic hygiene teach us to wash our hands several times throughout the day. Also, with the electric trend gaining pace in recent times, you could switch to an electric of hybrid vehicle, but that shouldn't stop you from washing your hands.
Even as a pedestrian, you're not completely safe when it comes to germs. Crosswalk buttons are also known as high-concentration germ spots, with 40% of these being substantially contaminated areas. So, is that Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf all of the sudden looking more appealing to you?
According to a study quoted by the LA Times, 'the gas pump is the germiest, filthiest thing we touch in everyday life'. This conclusion belongs to a microbiologist from the University of Arizona, nicknamed Dr. Germ.
His real name is Dr. Charles Gerba and the research he conducted revealed that "71% of gas pump handles and 68% of corner mailbox handles are 'highly contaminated' with the kinds of germs most associated with a high risk of illness". In other words, too much refueling could be bad for your health.
However, there are ways to protect yourself from this. Common sense and basic hygiene teach us to wash our hands several times throughout the day. Also, with the electric trend gaining pace in recent times, you could switch to an electric of hybrid vehicle, but that shouldn't stop you from washing your hands.
Even as a pedestrian, you're not completely safe when it comes to germs. Crosswalk buttons are also known as high-concentration germ spots, with 40% of these being substantially contaminated areas. So, is that Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf all of the sudden looking more appealing to you?
Google News