Cab driver Theodore Morgan dabs a little hand sanitizer on his palms when he touches something germy like gas pump handles, doorknobs and ATM buttons. Still, the 43-year-old Detroit driver doubts he’ll be able to avoid the two colds he typically gets a year, as do millions during the annual cold and flu season. His fears are well-founded. A scientific survey found 71% of gas pump handles and 68% of corner mailbox handles were highly contaminated with germs most associated with a high risk of illness, as were 41% of ATM buttons and 43% of escalator rails. Other highly contaminated items were parking meters and kiosks, registering 40%. Crosswalk buttons tied with vending machines at 35%. The survey showed consumers need to take more precautions against germs at work, on their way to and from work and when they eat out.
