Gas pumps, mailboxes, escalator rails spread flu and cold viruses

(WXYZ) - With the start of flu season fast approaching once more here in Michigan and abroad, it is critical for people to stay healthy within the home and workplace.

Research provided from the Kimberly-Clark Professional, The Healthy Workplace Project, says that much of the contamination for cold and flu like symptoms derives from everyday items and surfaces that Americans touch.

In a press released Tuesday, results from the company show that more than 60 percent of gas pump and mailbox handles, along with more than 40 percent of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons account for much of the contamination, while potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria.

The Healthy Workplace is a new program that Kimberly-Clark Professional has implemented, to help companies provide their employees with a more productive and healthier office environment.

The testing which was conducted by trained hygienists in many high traffic locations such as: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Philadelphia consisted with the usage of a Hygiena SystemSURE II™ ATP Meter.

A device commonly used to monitor sanitary conditions in industry; the hygienists swabbed many everyday objects to measure levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells.

ATP detection indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects which had an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission.

More than 350 separate swabs were taken and analyzed. The percentage of public surfaces tested and found with high contamination levels (an ATP of 300 or higher) include:

• 71 percent of Gas Pump Handles
• 68 percent of Mailbox Handles
• 43 percent of Escalator Rails
• 41 percent of ATM Buttons
• 40 percent of Parking Meters/Kiosks
• 35 percent of Crosswalk Buttons

Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona, Dr. Charles Gerba says: “People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on and escalator.”

“This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene. Most cold and flu viruses spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and touch their faces, other objects and people,” Dr. Gerba says.

“Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office,” he says.