ATM Machine with usage marks and hand prints.
A recent study in Britain claims that ATMs (ATM Machines) we use daily are as filthy as public toilets. The study revealed that both are equally contaminated with microbes.
Researchers tested swabs from both ATMs and the public toilets and allowed the bacteria to grow overnight. The results of the swabs revealed that ATMs and toilets had a fine growth of pseudomonads and bacillus. Other areas that involve high human contact were also tested; however, the ATMs and the toilets had the highest amounts of contamination and were of the most concern.
Although, the report seems alarming, Dr. Schaffner believes it is too early for people to become panicky before using ATMs. According to Dr. William Schaffner, a preventative medical specialist, the results of this study should come as no surprise. In a recent interview with CBS, Dr. Shaffner said, “We live in a microbial world”. Which means it is logical for places with such high human activity to be contaminated, “99 percent of transmission of bacteria that makes you sick is between human beings,” said Dr Shaffner.
People should expect to find microbes in places like ATMs, folded money, toilet seats, because of the large amount of human contact. In addition to the simplicity of human contact, these commonalities do not access the personal hygiene prior to allowing use.
In the interview with CBS, he says, “Bacillus is trivial. It only causes infections in the most compromised people in the hospitals.” The recommendations by Dr. Shaffner and other doctors to prevent illnesses caused by microbes is thoroughly washing hands regularly and maintain good personal hygiene.