BNE: Women clean up and beat men hands down when it comes to washing their hands after using a public lavatory. A new observational study* from the U.S. reveals that women are more conscientious in practicing hygiene habits than men in public toilets. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) monitored the washroom habits of thousands of people in restrooms in four major U.S. cities. It found 90 percent of women washed their hands, compared with 75 percent of men. A parallel telephone survey revealed that men and women perhaps exaggerate how hygienic they are, with 97 percent of women and 96 percent of men saying they always or usually wash their hands after using a public restroom.

Dr. Judy Daly of the ASM advised: “One of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of infection is literally at our fingertips. The single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others is to clean our hands. Flu viruses are readily transferred from unclean hands.” She explained that contrary to what many people believe, cold and flu viruses are spread by hands more often than through airborne transmission from sneezing. However, the study found only 42 percent wash after petting a dog or cat, 32 percent after coughing or sneezing and 21 percent after handling money. Unbeknown to most, 75 percent to 95 percent of banknotes and coins are contaminated with illness-causing bacteria.
 

Conscientious/adj/= careful to do everything that it is your job or duty to do