Touching these 9 objects without washing your hands can cause big trouble
Hands that are not washed regularly contain millions of bacteria that cause flu, diarrhea, hand, foot and mouth disease, etc., especially after touching these things.
Washing your hands with soap is essential for good hygiene, preventing germs from entering our bodies. Of course, it is impossible to keep your hands 100% germ-free all the time, but it is absolutely necessary after touching the following items:
1. Money
These days, you can use a debit or credit card for most purchases, but sometimes you need to handle cash. After touching money, wash your hands as soon as possible.
Researchers tested $1 bills from a New York City bank and found hundreds of microorganisms, including oral and vaginal bacteria, as well as DNA from pets and viruses. Similar research has shown that some cash and coins even contain pathogens like E. coli and salmonella.
2. Handrails, handles or doorknobs
Washing your hands is crucial to limiting the spread of germs, says dermatologists at Columbia University Medical Center. One of the most important times to remember to wash your hands is after riding public transportation, where many people repeatedly touch the same surfaces, such as escalator handrails and bathroom door handles.
3. Menu at restaurants and cafes
Restaurants are full of germs, and menus are one of the most common. Researchers from the University of Arizona found that menus have up to 185,000 bacteria on them because so many people touch them. It's okay to pick them up, but wash your hands afterwards.
4. Office supplies
Almost everything in the office has germs or bacteria on it, especially public pens. In fact, there are over 46,000 germs on that pen, which is many times more than the toilet seat. Other places to avoid in the office include chair arms and door handles. Take a few minutes after entering the office to thoroughly wash your hands.
5. Animals
Not everyone washes their hands after touching pets or animals, according to a doctor and health expert. Household pets can be a source of infection for a variety of diseases. Since pets are often considered family-friendly, hand washing is sometimes overlooked.
6. Touch screen
Nowadays, this touch technology is applied everywhere from personal phones to public services, so you should wash your hands after touching any screen. One of the most important things to wash your hands after touching is the kiosk machine in the airport or public transportation.
7. Kitchen objects
The kitchen is one of the germiest places in the home, and dishcloths and cutting boards are the areas that need the most attention. One study found that up to 326 different species of bacteria live on kitchen cloths. Be sure to throw away old ones, and always wash your hands after handling raw meat and before preparing meals.
8. Soap box
Researchers from the University of Arizona have found that refillable soap dispensers are full of germs. Experts say these soap dispensers can actually transfer more bacteria to your hands than the bacteria in a toilet.
9. Airport stuff
Where there are more people, there are more germs, especially airports. Avoid touching doorknobs, water fountains, kiosk screens, and especially plastic sinks and trays in airport security lines.
