30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2002 25,127 2005 5,585 Surface Stats: Bacteria per Square Inch 2002 v. 2005 Study Results 2002 20,961 2005 5,015 2002 3,295 2005 3,769 2005 2002 1,676 2,975 Phone Desktop Keyboard Mouse
In fall 2005, University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles P. Gerba conducted follow-up <strong>research</strong> to his previous groundbreaking studies of germs in <strong>the</strong> workplace. The new <strong>research</strong> measured bacteria presence on <strong>the</strong> personal office surfaces of various professionals. The purpose of <strong>the</strong> study was threefold: • To qualify bacteria levels on workplace surface areas • To measure bacteria levels on surfaces used <strong>by</strong> various professionals • To determine <strong>the</strong> surfaces with <strong>the</strong> highest levels of contamination STUDY SITES Typical offices and cubicles in Washington DC and Tucson, AZ METHODOLOGY The study took place over a six-week period in fall 2005. Surfaces sampled included <strong>the</strong> telephone mouthpiece, computer mouse, keyboard, desktop, and doorknob/handles in offices and cubicles. • During <strong>the</strong> study, participants were asked to go about <strong>the</strong>ir work as usual. In fact, <strong>the</strong>y were asked not to alter <strong>the</strong>ir regular workday routines, from eating at <strong>the</strong>ir desks to cleaning. • An average of 11 cubicles and offices were tested at each location. A total of 616 surfaces were surveyed and analyzed at <strong>the</strong> University of Arizona. RESULTS OFFICE GERMS RESEARCH 2006 RESULTS Germiest Jobs – ranked from most germy to least germy 1. Teacher (averaged 17,800 bacteria per square inch) 2. Accountant (averaged 6,030 bacteria per square inch) 3. Banker (averaged 5,400 bacteria per square inch) 4. Radio DJ (averaged 3,323 bacteria per square inch) 5. Doctor (averaged 2,620 bacteria per square inch) 6. Television Producer (averaged 2,460 bacteria per square inch) 7. Consultant (averaged 1,250 bacteria per square inch) 8. Publicist (averaged 1,020 bacteria per square inch) 9. Lawyer (averaged 900 bacteria per square inch) CONCLUSIONS Teachers’ workspaces were more bacteria-laden than <strong>the</strong> workspaces of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r professions tested. Surfaces used <strong>by</strong> accountants and bankers ranked Number 2 and 3 respectively for most bacteria compared to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r professions tested. Telephones still rank as <strong>the</strong> #1 home for office germs, followed <strong>by</strong> desks, keyboards and computer mouses, as found in 2002. Office surfaces like <strong>the</strong> telephone, computer mouse and desk are frequently used, but infrequently cleaned or disinfected. As compared to germ levels measured in <strong>the</strong> original study in 2002, bacteria presence on office surfaces has decreased, in some cases <strong>by</strong> nearly five times <strong>the</strong> initial count. # # # Telephone Most germy: Teachers (averaged 31,500 bacteria per square inch) Least germy: Publicists (averaged 340 bacteria per square inch) Desks Most germy: Accountants (averaged 12,600 bacteria per square inch) Least germy: Lawyers (averaged 263 bacteria per square inch) Computer keyboard Most germy: Teachers (averaged 95,600 bacteria per square inch) Least germy: Bankers (averaged 963 bacteria per square inch) Computer mouse Most germy: Teachers (averaged 10,600 bacteria per square inch) Least germy: TV producers (averaged 375 bacteria per square inch) Pens Most germy: Accountants (averaged 2,350 bacteria per square inch) Least germy: Lawyers (averaged 669 bacteria per square inch)
Change language