News

ATMs in losing battle of germ warfare

June 29, 2004

TUCSON, Ariz.- Many American never suspect that germs are lurking on many common objects in their homes, offices, and public areas -- including ATMs.

According to a recent University of Arizona study, ATMs may harbor more germs than people think -- along with other surfaces, including kitchen sinks, computer keyboards, escalator handrails, picnic tables, playground equipment and office desks.

"This lack of knowledge about where germs lurk is a real health problem, because people touch these objects and 80 percent of infections are spread through hand contact," said professor Charles Gerba, an expert on environmental biology who's also known as "Dr. Germ."

He added, "The solution is to practice proper hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer."

The survey found 64 percent of the 1,000 respondents mistakenly believed that a public washroom had more germs than an ATM. Most of the respondents were also unaware the kitchen sink is more contaminated with bacteria than the toilet bowl or garbage can.

The majority of people didn't know the toilet seat at work actually has less germs than their office desks, computer keyboards and elevator buttons. Outdoor portable potties are cleaner than picnic tables, shopping cart handles, escalator handles and playground equipment, according to the study.