GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Daily News Article Discussions > Topics	Add to favorite topics

Author	Topic: Gas pump handles top study of filthy surfaces	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Nicoalbum Champion Author Ottawa Posts:6,032 Points:1,191,850 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 9:45:23 PM Ignore Nicoalbum Report Abuse Just when you thought filling up your car could not hurt any more, researchers may have found another reason to avoid touching the gas pump: germs. Gas pump handles turned out to be the filthiest surface that Americans encounter on the way to work, according to a study released on Tuesday by Kimberly-Clark Professional, a unit of personal hygiene giant Kimberly-Clark Corp. 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 top offenders, following gas pumps, were handles on public mailboxes, escalator rails and ATM buttons. Closely following on the filthiest list were parking meters and kiosks, crosswalk buttons and buttons on vending machines in shopping mall Visit Driving.ca for full article

Nicoalbum

Champion Author
Ottawa

Posts:6,032
Points:1,191,850
Joined:Jan 2010

Message Posted: May 14, 2012 9:45:23 PM

Ignore Nicoalbum Report Abuse

Just when you thought filling up your car could not hurt any more, researchers may have found another reason to avoid touching the gas pump: germs.

Gas pump handles turned out to be the filthiest surface that Americans encounter on the way to work, according to a study released on Tuesday by Kimberly-Clark Professional, a unit of personal hygiene giant Kimberly-Clark Corp.

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 top offenders, following gas pumps, were handles on public mailboxes, escalator rails and ATM buttons.

Closely following on the filthiest list were parking meters and kiosks, crosswalk buttons and buttons on vending machines in shopping mall
Visit Driving.ca for full article

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

carranco Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,027 Points:269,765 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 9:55:12 PM Ignore carranco Report Abuse I never thought about gas pump handles ranking right up there with shopping cart handles.
DanMtz Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,370 Points:1,246,350 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 7:00:24 PM Ignore DanMtz Report Abuse And handling gasoline is not exactly good for your health.
kiosk12y Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,629 Points:683,760 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 3:09:20 PM Ignore kiosk12y Report Abuse someone wrote "this isnt new study"...i ddnt read tht it is a new study...
feistyfella All-Star Author Georgia Posts:881 Points:196,245 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:09:42 PM Ignore feistyfella Report Abuse Lavos los manos also applies outside of work peoples, can't expect too much basic common sense these days.
md11capt Champion Author Denver Posts:3,558 Points:712,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 11:38:48 AM Ignore md11capt Report Abuse What was that study the top of?
VomVom Champion Author Calgary Posts:3,857 Points:1,627,080 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 10:16:10 AM Ignore VomVom Report Abuse Oh no, we are all going to die as we all pump gas?!?!!?
Jkent1953 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:2,006 Points:443,860 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 10:11:04 AM Ignore Jkent1953 Report Abuse Hand sanitizer in your car solves the problem.
sjf238 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:1,215 Points:647,955 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 10:08:07 AM Ignore sjf238 Report Abuse OK
des7902 Veteran Author Virginia Posts:385 Points:212,240 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 9:36:33 AM Ignore des7902 Report Abuse The pump dispenses a hazardous material, you need to clean your hands after using them for that reason, because that will kill you faster than the germs that are on the nozzle.
doctorindyj Champion Author Santa Fe Posts:3,463 Points:842,510 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 9:32:45 AM Ignore doctorindyj Report Abuse If you really want to be freaked out listen to 'Germs' by Weird Al. ;^) No big surprise here but there are viruses and bacteria all around us all the time. Just more fear mongering by the media. Either that or a slow news day. If you are that concerned about it wash your hands regularly or better yet keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car and use it after you pump your gas.
investmentdr Champion Author Cleveland Posts:4,039 Points:1,457,750 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 8:02:21 AM Ignore investmentdr Report Abuse not surprising; ever seen the gas station bathrooms?
FPLREP Champion Author Virginia Posts:8,277 Points:2,451,175 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 7:59:32 AM Ignore FPLREP Report Abuse Bacteria are everywhere. If you want the worst place, go no further than the restroom at work. Have you ever noticed that the doors always open in? This means that you have to grab a handle to open the door to leave. Your hands are as dirty as the most dirty person leaving the room. I reported this when I was in a college "practical microbiology" class. Received an A for the discovery. Keep a paper towel handy to grab the knob on your way out and deposit in the next available trash receptacle.
ForeignBody All-Star Author Georgia Posts:519 Points:429,790 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:44:33 AM Ignore ForeignBody Report Abuse Just what we need to know!
leemun Champion Author Utah Posts:5,549 Points:1,043,050 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:36:33 AM Ignore leemun Report Abuse Ugh.
Rockinrobby Veteran Author Tallahassee Posts:444 Points:276,990 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:17:43 AM Ignore Rockinrobby Report Abuse ewwww
bicycle1966 All-Star Author Akron Posts:605 Points:404,840 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:12:13 AM Ignore bicycle1966 Report Abuse was this a surprise to anyone? I mean, did this even need to be tested to find out?
el_fr Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:3,352 Points:747,625 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:04:19 AM Ignore el_fr Report Abuse No surprise
335d1 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,396 Points:761,970 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:02:26 AM Ignore 335d1 Report Abuse The world is a dirty place. To fight it, wash your hands.
gs7101 Champion Author San Antonio Posts:5,538 Points:389,345 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 6:00:23 AM Ignore gs7101 Report Abuse This isn't a new study!
gandalfthegrey1 Champion Author Houston Posts:1,184 Points:384,785 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 5:38:17 AM Ignore gandalfthegrey1 Report Abuse And we all still live! It's a miracle! I wonder how much it cost us for them to figure out the obvious.
bullet226 Champion Author Toronto Posts:2,716 Points:534,915 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 5:16:19 AM Ignore bullet226 Report Abuse Oh no!
kiosk12y Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,629 Points:683,760 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 4:59:04 AM Ignore kiosk12y Report Abuse handling $$ is same effect...it's dirty people tuck it everywhere, & sometimes it'll be wet...ewww!
Luckylindy Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:4,529 Points:1,129,995 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 4:37:17 AM Ignore Luckylindy Report Abuse Thats why I always top off and spill a little gas, so I can wash my hands afterwards.
angel4me Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,814 Points:796,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 3:29:59 AM Ignore angel4me Report Abuse use gloves and hand sanitizers
nfldude Champion Author San Diego Posts:3,891 Points:449,480 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 2:25:47 AM Ignore nfldude Report Abuse who knows where the people in front of you have been, just like the person behind you in line is wondering the same while they watch you ! ! !
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:13,732 Points:1,694,805 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 2:11:02 AM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse Arehart's colleague Brad Reynolds said germs from people's hands can transfer seven times before leaving the skin. People should wash their hands as soon as they get to work, Unemployed and retired and out of luck; eh?
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:10,114 Points:2,351,530 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 1:39:10 AM Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse Working in my garden is pretty dirty too. I apply the same rule. Wash with soap and water. When things are outside they get dirty, duh.
opastan All-Star Author Georgia Posts:775 Points:226,380 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 1:29:00 AM Ignore opastan Report Abuse Correct me if I am wrong. Gasoline is an excellent anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and fights plaque, too (spit don't swallow). You've got the hose right there, just rinse the germs right off. You can use a scented candle to get rid of the odor.
AskMeLater Champion Author Amarillo Posts:1,999 Points:580,595 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 1:27:18 AM Ignore AskMeLater Report Abuse A few germs never killed anybody. Just wash your hands every once in a while, people.
Thomtec Champion Author Nashville Posts:2,484 Points:611,070 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:53:01 AM Ignore Thomtec Report Abuse Of course it is.
SBlouch Champion Author San Antonio Posts:8,745 Points:1,862,190 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:32:58 AM Ignore SBlouch Report Abuse This is a no brainer as more people use them and the handles are never are cleaned. Maybe gas stations should do what many grocery stores do for there food carts and provide alcohol wipes at the pump.
tnfran Champion Author Arizona Posts:4,398 Points:846,090 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:20:41 AM Ignore tnfran Report Abuse Wow-- right along with cell phones. How about restaurant restrooms doors. How many people use them and not wash their hands afterwards?
MN1 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,374 Points:653,515 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:15:30 AM Ignore MN1 Report Abuse Old news
BJWI Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:6,426 Points:739,250 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:09:17 AM Ignore BJWI Report Abuse This does not surprise me considering the number of people using gas pumps ... what would be interesting is to check people's steering wheels especially those who eat something after filling up.
JoeKR Champion Author New Jersey Posts:9,484 Points:1,746,490 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:02:47 AM Ignore JoeKR Report Abuse Another reason self pumping shouldn't be allowed!
asog75 All-Star Author Indiana Posts:836 Points:278,405 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: May 15, 2012 12:01:15 AM Ignore asog75 Report Abuse i always use gloves!
lou30 Sophomore Author Miami Posts:187 Points:323,065 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:46:37 PM Ignore lou30 Report Abuse Ah, now I'm gonna freak out about that too.
MusicalMan7 All-Star Author Ohio Posts:597 Points:93,430 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:43:06 PM Ignore MusicalMan7 Report Abuse I read another story that grocery cart handles were the worst; also saw one on TV about airline seats, trays and carpets.
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,911 Points:775,195 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:37:56 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse A few germs won't kill you!
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,911 Points:775,195 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:37:37 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse so what else is new?
FlyNFool Champion Author South Carolina Posts:8,254 Points:1,687,900 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:36:19 PM Ignore FlyNFool Report Abuse As bad as a toilet seat, door knob, phone?
johnd900 Veteran Author Massachusetts Posts:475 Points:192,305 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:29:54 PM Ignore johnd900 Report Abuse oh no!!!! gimme a break. We don't eat enough dirt, which is why we don't have the immune systems of past generations.
PrinceLH Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,707 Points:540,970 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:26:36 PM Ignore PrinceLH Report Abuse Not surprising.
abacus44 Champion Author Toms River Posts:3,495 Points:750,665 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:23:44 PM Ignore abacus44 Report Abuse OK
1momsunshine Champion Author Ottawa Posts:5,505 Points:1,003,505 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:23:08 PM Ignore 1momsunshine Report Abuse ok
mpg611 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,349 Points:572,750 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:20:13 PM Ignore mpg611 Report Abuse Thats one reason why I have a bottle of hand sanitizer in my car. You never know if the guy/girl who used the fuel pump before you didnt wash their hands after they used the bathroom.
wentout Rookie Author Cleveland Posts:58 Points:173,540 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:18:23 PM Ignore wentout Report Abuse Duh....no kidding. Kind of a 'no brainer'.
cheapchickKY Champion Author Lexington Posts:4,032 Points:799,215 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:17:34 PM Ignore cheapchickKY Report Abuse Okay.
northeast2 Champion Author New York Posts:3,849 Points:1,007,200 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:08:55 PM Ignore northeast2 Report Abuse That's why we keep anti-bacterial wipes in the car.
rickone All-Star Author Detroit Posts:559 Points:396,340 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: May 14, 2012 11:08:05 PM Ignore rickone Report Abuse Interesting - Thanks for posting.