Doing Away With Dirty Backpacks

Q. You wrote recently about the dangers of carrying germs around on your shoes or bare feet. Because of studies on the germs found on women's purses, I avoid putting my grandchildren's backpacks on the kitchen table.

Who knows where those book bags have been? They've at least probably been on the floor of the school bus, along with germs from school restrooms and goodness knows where else.

A. Your decision is prudent. Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, did the research showing shoes carry many nasty germs. He told us he now refrains from propping his feet on his desk. It’s smart to keep shoes, purses or backpacks away from any surfaces where you might want to put your hands—or your lunch.