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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.

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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
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