HOW SAFE ARE PUBLIC TOILETS?
by Deborah Kay Would you rather hold it in than use a public rest room? You’re not alone. 60% of Americans refuse to sit when they use a public toilet. Is this good, clean sense-or potty paranoia? Rest Room Rituals Robin – 34, stay-at-home mom Toilet Tactic: “Instead of washing my hands, I use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer that I always carry in my purse.” Reality Check: Faucet handles in public rest rooms can hold up to 50,000 germs per square inch, but a thorough hand-washing with plain soap will remove up to 95% of bacteria and viruses-the same as using antibacterial soap or sanitizer. Avoid wet bar soap, though; stagnant water can harbor bacteria. (If faced with a soapy bar, rinse it under water for 30 seconds.) Amy – 30, art director Toilet Tactic: “I try not to touch anything. I kick open the stall door with my foot and flush with it, too.” Reality Check: Not touching anything is wise, since you can pick up cold, flu, and intestinal viruses from contaminated surfaces. But you can
