Survey Lists Germs' Favorite Spots In Malls
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Health Magazine just released some pretty surprising information about the dangers that lurk when you go shopping.
CBS13's Neda Iranpour visited a local mall to get a closer look at the places germs like the most.
No. 8
You likely tend to try it before you buy it but of all the germy places at the mall makeup samples come in at No. 8. They found traces of staph, strep and e coli in the Health Magazine survey.
No. 7
Next on the list, gadget shops. People want to touch and play with all the latest technology, which means they're passing around plenty of bacteria.
No. 6
The No. 6 nastiest place would be the fitting rooms -- not from the hooks or the doorknobs but from the clothes you're about to try on. Germs can spread from skin cells and sweat so at the risk of stating the obvious, that's way it's important to wear underwear.
No. 5
If you've ever let your kid run wild in a toy store, you probably agree it should make the list. Consider anything inside there covered in germs.
No. 4
No. 4 on the list would be the ATMs in the mall. Researchers have found 1,200 germs on these buttons so instead of using your fingers they suggest you use your knuckles -- there's a less likely chance you'll stick your knuckle in your nose.
No. 3
Next on the list are the handrails at the escalator. The survey found traces of urine, feces and mucus.
No. 2
It's hard to go to the mall without heading to the food court. But it's not the hot dog on a stick or Cinnabon that'll hurt you. It's the tables. No matter how much they wipe them down, it's the rag they use that can really spread harmful bacteria.
"They don't change that sanitizer water for a few hours," one girl at the mall said.
No. 1
Not surprisingly, No. 1 on the list involves the bathroom. But we're not talking about the dirty toilet or the doorknobs, but rather the sink. Bacteria festers on the faucets.
Experts advise to use hand sanitizers or wipes when venturing out to the malls for that holiday shopping.
