In 2002, researchers first began studying "Germs in the Workplace", measuring the presence of bacteria and viruses in offices. Previous "Germs in the Workplace" surveys have found that office phones, desks, computer keyboards and computer "mice" are top spots for bacteria to thrive. Findings also revealed that a virus-infected worker can leave viruses on every surface they contact, with viruses surviving for up to three days. Now the latest "Germs in the Workplace" study has measured bacteria level differences among professions. It reports that teachers' and accountants' workplaces have the most germs and publicists and lawyers have the least germs.
The study was funded and reported by the Clorox Company. Researchers at the University of Arizona collected samples from workplaces located in Tucson, Arizona and Washington, DC. The University of Arizona laboratories tested and analyzed 616 surfaces for germs. They found that the germiest jobs from most to least germs are:
1. Teacher
2. Accountant
3. Banker
4. Radio DJ
5. Doctor
6. Television Producer
7. Consultant
8. Publicist
9. Lawyer
Researchers found that teachers' workplace surfaces had an average 17,800 bacteria per square inch, compared to lawyers' with an average 900 bacteria per square inch. Teachers also had the most germy phones, keyboards and computer "mice". In addition, accountants' desks had the most germs, publicists' had the least germy phones, TV producers had the least germy computer mice, and bankers had the least germy keyboards.
However, results also showed that bacteria levels in offices have decreased since previous studies. "We were pleased to find a decrease in bacteria levels," says researcher Charles Gerba, PhD, microbiologist at the University of Arizona, in a news release. "Perhaps people are becoming more aware of germs in their office and doing something about it."
The report recommends frequent hand-washing and using disinfecting wipes on workplace surfaces to eliminate germs. "Clorox Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9 percent of the surface germs that can cause cold and flu," states the news release.
REFERENCES:
1. "Is Your Job Making You Sick? New study compares professions germ by germ to determine "germiest" job." Clorox News Release, February 15, 2006: http://www.clorox.com/pdf/office_study.pdf
2. Hitti M, "Top 9 Jobs Where Bacteria Thrive." WebMD, February 17, 2006:
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/118/113130.htm
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on July 16, 2006 01:56 PM
