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When It Comes to Take-Out Food, Beware Dirty Money

Don’t put your money where your mouth is. Scientists at New York University did microbiological studies to find out what germs live on dollar bills. As it turns out, the list is long.

More than 3,000 different types of bacteria were found, including some that have not yet been identified. That doesn’t even count the viruses and fungi.

The most common bacteria included those that are associated with acne, but germs linked to pneumonia, ulcers and food poisoning were also prevalent. Paper money provides a good growth medium for microbes, especially when it is kept in a wallet in a back pocket. Body temperature encourages microbial proliferation.

The next time you pay for a bagel, burrito or sandwich, wash your hands before you handle your food. And if you see the barista use his hands to apply the lid on your coffee cup after taking your cash, you may want to transfer your beverage to a clean cup before drinking it.

[Wall Street Journal, April 18, 2014]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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