Comments on: Hand washing denialists

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:37:12 +0000

The problem with common sense is that is often wrong. There are plenty of studies that suggest overwashing is counterproductive and, yes, can even lead to an increase in infection rates. The article below from the CDC provides complete and well documented evidence. For those who do not wish to read it in its entirety, I offer the bottom line: frequent washing of hands can alter natural conditions and leave hands more susceptible to holding and passing of infectious cells. Frequent bathing provides aesthetic and relaxing benefits but does little to alter the microbial content of the skin.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no2/larson.htm

I have not pulled up any links for it to paste here but I also recall studies that indicate overly sterile environments appear to have a role in causing appendicitis – this is a condition largely non-existent in third-world countries.

By: ZERO

ZERO — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:50:51 +0000

To those disgusting people, I say: blecccchhhh and ewwwww.

LOL

By: p

Fri, 08 May 2009 16:02:33 +0000

I know people who prepare raw meat IN THE SINK. They’ll soak it in tepid stagnant water, not knowing that standing water is almost as good as a petri dish. I’ve said before, there are too many people, and WWaaAAAYYYYY too many imbeciles.

By: p

Fri, 08 May 2009 16:00:12 +0000

I use my right hand to wipe up, then I prepare sack lunches for senior citizens without washing it or wearing gloves. Occasionally I’ll run some water over it and wipe it on the door handle when I leave the bathroom.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:21:20 +0000

I can’t stand being near or seeing someone who doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom. I could kill those people!

By: bob

bob — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:46:21 +0000

I read and contributed to the earlier thread. I don’t think many people were talking about crapping and then not washing their hands. That obviously involves touching a large amount of unhygienic surface area. However, I maintain that washing your hands in a public loo after taking a piss is less hygienic than not touching anything. The hand washing studies don’t actually seem to be very specific about what action was performed in the loo.

By: Mango

Mango — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:13:16 +0000

I was recently treated for an infection of Helicobacter Pylori in my stomach (fascinating germ, actually — the only one known that can survive the hydrochloric acid in there). 50% of the people in the world are infected, and it is responsible for most ulcers and almost all stomach cancer.

Guess how it spreads?