ND1026113

Title: Getting More Than Gas at the Pump

Description: A recent study suggests that fuel pumps are havens for germs.

Page Content: ATLANTA ? Gasoline pumps can cause more pain than in your wallet. Researchers for Kimberly-Clark Professional have discovered that filling up brings a person?s hands in contact with the highest number of germs than from any other surface, Reuters reports.

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In six U.S. cities, hygiene specialist took samples from hundreds of surfaces to uncover which hosted more viruses and bacteria. Gasoline station pumps topped the list, followed by public mailbox handles, escalator rails and ATM buttons. Other everyday items that made the filthiest list include parking meters and kiosks, crosswalk buttons and mall-located vending machine buttons.

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?It comes down to the fact that nobody cleans the things that you're going to touch on a daily basis,? said Dr. Kelly Arehart, program leader of Kimberly-Clark's Healthy Workplace Project.

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The swabs were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate ? a high reading could indicate that bacteria might transmit sickness, the researchers said. The teams visited Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta to collect their samples.

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To avoid contamination from touching these and other surfaces, researchers strongly suggested washing hands frequently.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing

Formatted Article Date: October 26, 2011

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