Why hand washing just may not matter any more

Are smart phones eliminating the safety net provided by “employees must wash hands” signs in bathrooms? That’s the scary suggestion from the Barf Blog, which notes that all too many people continue to text or respond to e-mail while technically indisposed.

The issue with “dirty thumbers” is that even if they wash their hands, the potential for bacterial transfer is still intact because they haven’t washed their phones. That’s a real problem. While the social taboo (thankfully) of calling someone from the bathroom is still in place, texting carries no such stigma. Our short attention spans carry some real health risks. 

So the next time you see a cashier briefly check his cell before taking an order — either get out the Purell or consider a different line.