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Germs are on the minds of Americans

Infection Control Monitor, November 10, 2006

Americans have become increasingly germaphobic and social critics suggest that at its root is a fear of a dangerous, out-of-control world, reported the New York Times in a story entitled "Germs Never Sleep."

Americans are worried to judge by a flood of germ-fighting products hitting the market, including a device that sprays disinfectant on doorknobs, a portable subway strap, ultraviolet "pens" that can be dipped into a glass of water to kill everything DNA-based, and an around-the-neck air purifier.

"Is it only a coincidence that the same places where Americans most fear terrorism--airplanes, schools, mass transit, water supplies, and computers--they also fear germs?" the Times story asked. To read more about our germ-conscious society go to www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/fashion/05germ.html.

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