Do You Know Where Germs Live?

Most people, even cleaning industry professionals, are not aware of where more germs live. This can be problematic because cleaning for health is no longer a marketing slogan; instead, it has become the function and goal of our entire industry.

To test your knowledge about germs and their living spaces, Kaivac – developers of the N-Touch Cleaning™ system and other tools and products to foster a cleaner, healthier indoor environment – invites you to take the Germ Living Space Quiz.

(1)    What spot in your office space is the most germ-friendly?
  (a)    Toilets.
  (b)    Telephones.
  (c)    Desks.
  (d)    The handle on your office chair.

(2)    How many times more germs do women’s offices have than men’s?
  (a)    Three times.
  (b)    Five times.
  (c)    Studies show they are about the same.

(3)    The germiest item(s) in a woman’s office is:
  (a)    The telephone.
  (b)    The computer keyboard and mouse.
  (c)    Pens.
  (d)    The desk.

(4)    The germiest item in a man’s office is:
  (a)    The telephone.
  (b)    The computer keyboard and mouse.
  (c)    Pens.
  (d)    The desk.

(5)    Which would you say is germier:
  (a)    A woman’s purse.
  (b)    A man’s wallet.

(6)    How long can a virus live on a surface such as a desk or telephone?
  (a)    48 hours.
  (b)    72 hours.
  (c)    Less than an hour.

(7)    Doorknobs are typically the germiest surface in an airport.
  (a)    True.
  (b)    False.

(8)    Which is usually the most contaminated object in a hotel room?
  (a)    Remote control.
  (b)    Toilet seat and handle.
  (c)    Doorknobs within the room.

(9)    Of the following, which is the germiest?
  (a)    The kitchen sink.
  (b)    The bathroom sink.
  (c)    Refrigerator handles.
  (d)    Garbage can.

(10)    More than a quarter of all colds are pass by what?
  (a)    Kissing. 
  (b)    Someone sneezing in close proximity.
  (c)    Hand contact.

(11)    What is considered the germiest job in North America?
  (a)    Truck driver.
  (b)    Garbage man.
  (c)    Teacher.
  (d)    Custodial worker.

ANSWERS:
  1. (b) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  2. (a) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  3. (a) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  4. (d) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  5. (b)
  6. (a) (Source – Mayo Clinic)
  7. (b) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  8. (a) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  9. (a) (Source – Web MD)
  10. (c) (Source – Studies conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist with the University of Arizona)
  11. (c) (Source – Studies conducted by the Clorox company)