Just when you thought filling up your car couldn’t hurt any more, researchers may have found another reason to avoid touching the gas pump: germs! Gas pump handles are the filthiest surface that Americans encounter on the way to work, according to a new study by Kimberly-Clark Professional. A team of hygienists swabbed hundreds of surfaces around six U.S. cities to see what everyday objects are breeding grounds for the worst bacteria and viruses. The results showed that more than 60% of gas pump and mailbox handles and more than 40% of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons can be highly contaminated, potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria. Illness in the workplace is not just a health issue, but can also have a major economic impact. Each year companies lose $1,685 per employee due to absenteeism and “presenteeism,” or employees coming to work while sick. The percentage of public surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination:
| 71% of gas pump handles | 40% of parking meters/kiosks |
| 68% of mailbox handles | 35% of crosswalk buttons |
| 43% of escalator rails | 35% of vending machine buttons |
| 41% of ATM buttons |
Researchers said germs from people’s hands can transfer seven times before leaving the skin and that people should wash their hands as soon as they get to work.
