Experts conducting the tests checked dirty cups, clean cups, sinks and wash cloths in a number of offices in the Tel Aviv area. It was concluded that about half the dirty cups were contaminated, even after manual washing. The amount of contaminated office sinks reached 71 percent. All samplings of washcloths which were examined contained general coliform germs and fecal E.coli.
The research reported by Dr. Abed Nasser indicated that the sources of contamination may be from saliva or other body secretions, which are transferred to cups by the hands. Contaminated washcloths are a convenient medium for growing germs and are a source of transferring germs in the office.
