It’s gross, and more than likely is one of those things you’d just rather not know. – But protecting yourself from bathroom germs, especially while out on the road is really important.
According to the Journal of Environmental Health, only 5% of people in bathrooms wash their hands effectively enough, and long enough to kill germs.
The same study found that 15% of men didn’t bother to wash their hands at all – and only 50% of those that did actually used soap. – Disgusting, but not your problem – right? Wrong.
Food-borne illness is transmitted – mostly due to the use of bathrooms. – That’s how fecal matter makes it into your food, into your body, and causes you illness.
Washing your hands with just water wipes out 20% less germs than using hot water and soap. – Although, using just water and toweling dry is twice as effective as skipping a hand washing all together.
So how do I do it?
Wash for 15-20 seconds, focusing on your fingertips and underneath your fingernails.
Using:
When do I do it?
- Before and After Foodprep or Eating
- Before and After Exposure to Sick People
- Before and After Having Contact with a Wound
- After Using the Restroom
- After Blowing your Nose, Coughing or Sneezing
- After Touching Garbage
- After Touching an Animal/Animal Waste
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
