The most common surfaces people believe to be highly germ invested, such as doorknobs, are actually on less susceptible to germs.  He says they aren’t moist, and never to fear a doorknob.  On the other hand, surfaces such as computer keyboards and telephones carry far more bacteria.  One of the tests showed that two keyboards carried more germs and bacteria than an elevator button or an office water fountain.  Gerba says the average desk contains 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.  Gerba’s latest studied examined different professions and their germ count.  He found accountants, bankers and doctors have the most germ-laden offices.  Lawyers were found to have the least.

One of the most shocking discoveries was the amount of germs that can be found in laundry---clean laundry.  Because most Americans no longer wash using the hot cycle, viruses and bacteria remain in the clothing.  He said water at 140 degrees F will sanitize laundry, but says only 5 percent of Americans use hot water for laundry.  Shockingly, Gerba says viruses such as hepatitis A, rotavirus and bacteria such as Salmonella can easily withstand the average 28-minute drying cycle.  He says not to be paranoid but take simple actions to avoid germs.