Read the latest research done by California university - SHINYTECH

In fall 2005, University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles P. Gerba conducted follow-up research to his previous
groundbreaking studies of germs in the workplace. The new research measured bacteria presence on the personal
office surfaces of various professionals.
The purpose of the study was threefold:
• To qualify bacteria levels on workplace surface areas
• To measure bacteria levels on surfaces used by various professionals
• To determine the surfaces with the 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 the telephone mouthpiece,
computer mouse, keyboard, desktop, and doorknob/handles in offices and cubicles.
• During the study, participants were asked to go about their work as usual. In fact, they were asked not to alter
their regular workday routines, from eating at their 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 the 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 the workspaces of the other professions tested. Surfaces
used by accountants and bankers ranked Number 2 and 3 respectively for most bacteria compared to the
other professions tested.
Telephones still rank as the #1 home for office germs, followed by desks, keyboards and computer mouses,
as found in 2002.
Office surfaces like the telephone, computer mouse and desk are frequently used, but infrequently
cleaned or disinfected.
As compared to germ levels measured in the original study in 2002, bacteria presence on office surfaces has
decreased, in some cases by nearly five times the 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)