Think your office coffee mug is safe? It might be full of germs, finds study
Dr. Gerba's groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of Dairy, Food, and Environmental Sanitation, highlighted the role that communal kitchen sponges and dishcloths play in spreading harmful bacteria across office kitchen surfaces. «Coliform bacteria were present on 20 per cent of the coffee cups before wiping, but after using a dishcloth or sponge, 100 per cent of the cups tested positive for bacteria,» he explained. He also noted that while no E. coli was found on the cups prior to being wiped down, 20 per cent tested positive for the bacterium afterward.
What’s Behind the Problem?
According to Dr. Gerba, the unsanitary conditions in office kitchen areas, particularly the kitchen sponges, are the primary culprits. These sponges, which are rarely replaced or cleaned, are breeding grounds for bacteria that quickly transfer to any surface they come in contact with, including your coffee mug. The presence of fecal matter on common office items, like coffee mugs, is a serious public health concern. «The potential for pathogens in this environment calls for better sanitary practices and standards,» Dr. Gerba said.
In fact, similar studies have shown that offices frequented by men tend to harbor even more bacteria than those used by women. Dr. Scott Kelley, another researcher on the team, discovered that the most common bacteria found in offices came from human skin, nasal passages, mouths, and even intestinal areas. Areas like chairs and phones were particularly prone to bacterial contamination, though items
