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7 things you shouldn’t touch in the mall
And that’s not counting cash – it’s hard to find something dirtier than that.
Of course, online shopping is great, but not always we can buy something without trying it on. And we have to buy things the old-fashioned way in a real store.
But shopping malls are people, and people are microbes. Who wants to get sick? Therefore, before you go shopping, think about the unsafe places that the mall has and try to avoid them. And, as experts advise, bring hand sanitizer with you. And we have compiled a list of the dirtiest places and objects in shopping centers and malls.
According to research by antimicrobial technology developer BioCote, the buttons on ATM cash dispensers are dirtier than a public toilet seat. This is not surprising given that hundreds of unwashed hands touch them every day. Research has shown that keys contain bacteria that cause diarrhea and other illnesses. The same bacteria were found on the elevator buttons. Therefore, cleaning supervisor Harriet Jones advises you to press them not with your fingertips, but with your knuckles. This reduces the likelihood of bacteria getting into the nose and mouth.
2. Escalator handrails
Hundreds of human hands also touch the handrails every day. Perhaps even more than ATMs. Harriet Jones clarifies that they are covered with various unpleasant things, including E. coli, urine, mucus, blood and even feces. If you can climb the escalator without touching the handrail, this is the best way to avoid contamination. If you need to hold on, then wash your hands with soap and water or use a disinfectant afterwards. By the way, you can catch very serious illnesses from unwashed hands – more powerful than banal poisoning.
3. Free samples of cosmetics
If you are fond of cosmetics, then you are probably attracted by a new lipstick or mascara, and you really want to try them! But next time before using a makeup tester or free trial service, think twice. You can easily get the herpes virus from something as simple as lipstick. It can live on the surface of the tube for a week. In addition, a study by the Rossen Reports (NBC) team showed that cosmetic samples were contaminated with two types of bacteria associated with faeces. Although they are usually found in the intestines.
4. Tables on the food court
Sitting at a table in the food court area, of course, you assume that its surface is clean. Alas, even if you see someone wiping the table, don’t expect it to be germ-free.
“The rags themselves can spread harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, if they are not changed and washed regularly,” said Elaine Larson, Ph.D., senior associate dean at Columbia University School of Nursing. Therefore, if you are planning to have a snack in the food court, then it is better to take antibacterial wipes with you and wipe the table yourself.
5. Toy store
This is no longer a secret: children are walking magnets for microbes. And if you came with a baby to a toy store, then know for sure that he will definitely grab something. Like most other kids. But not all children have mastered the methods of personal hygiene. So believe me, these toys are riddled with bacteria. After all, children do not just take them in their hands, they lick them, roll them on the floor and over their bodies, rub them on their faces. All this leaves a lot of germs on toys.
6. Cinema
One of the advantages of a large shopping center is not only the opportunity to buy something, but also watch a movie you like on the way. Unfortunately, you can catch germs along the way.
“During a cold and flu epidemic, many people don’t cover their mouths, but cough and sneeze into the atmosphere we breathe,” says Michael Hall, MD. “Viruses are airborne and can easily cause infection.”
The only way to avoid soreness is to avoid crowded places during the high season of influenza and SARS.
7. Toilet
It’s no secret that washrooms can be quite messy, and those found in shopping malls are no exception. A 2014 study found that bacteria associated with the skin were found in places we frequently touch with our hands (doors, taps, soap dispensers). Intestinal bacteria have occupied the toilet seats. Even lactobacilli, bacteria associated with the vaginal microbiome, have been found in women’s toilets. Therefore, experts remind, never forget to wash your hands after using the toilet.
And finally – money
We use them almost every day. But a simple store purchase can expose you to so many microbes you can’t even imagine! Cash carries the flu virus and staphylococcus aureus, which causes food poisoning. In this case, bacteria on their surface can survive for two weeks. The fact that more bacteria were found on the money than on the toilet also speaks volumes.