Sandy hands may harbor bacteria

William Atkins
Wednesday, 12 August 2009 19:13

Science - Health

They found that washing your hands after playing in beach band reduces the percentage of bacteria on your hands by 92% for E. coli and 98% for coliphage.

In addition, the researchers estimated that the number of individuals that would develop gastrointestinal symptoms would be 11 out of 1,000 if all E. coli on the fingertips were ingested.

And, 33 people out of 1,000 would get gastrointestinal illnesses if all E. coli on the hands were ingested.

They concluded that: “These results suggest that beach sand may be an important medium for microbial exposure; bacteria transfer is related to initial concentration in the sand; and rinsing may be effective in limiting oral exposure to sand-borne microbes of human concern.”

The researchers recommend that people wash your hands after playing in beach sand in order to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

For additional information on the study, please read the August 12, 2009 ScienceDaily article “What Science Says About Beach Sand And Stomach Aches.”