Money (Photo credit: 401K)
What do you think of when you hear the term, “dirty money?” Do you believe that money has been obtained by illegal means? That will probably be the first thing in most people’s minds. However, did you know that most money is literally dirty, as in carrying germs? A study done in 1972 by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), found harmful germs on over 200 bills and coins such as Staph and fecal matter. Gross, isn’t it?
Money is exchanged by hand. Stop and think about what people do with their hands. They sneeze into them, they forget to wash them after using the restroom, and pick up or handle other objects. These are some other ways money can be found to be dirty.
The Dreaded Flu
No one likes being sick, but the flu has its way of easily passing from person to person. It can also be passed by handling objects, such as money, from an ill person. Any strain of flu can live on paper bills a little over ten days. Now, think about that twenty you received from the clerk behind the register. You don’t know where that twenty dollar bill came from. There could be a good chance it was from the customer last week who had the flu. Makes you wonder How sanitary is your currency?
Lack of Cleanliness
You may be one to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, but what about others? Did you know that less than half of all people wash their hands? It’s a very disconcerting statistic. Not only do these many people handle money, they also hold food while providing various services. Finally, think about those individuals who hold cash, coins or even credit cards.
Plastic Money
Credit cards are just as susceptible to germs, especially when that protective plastic begins to wear. Look at your credit cards. Do you see any black spots along the edges? If so, that is probably dirt caught between the plastic and the card itself. Use a Q-tip and alcohol to clean it off, and then set it out to dry momentarily.
Money can pick up germs from being dropped. People drop things all the time. Money can accidentally fall in the toilet, on the floor, in a litter box, or even come in contact with blood. Sweaty hands also contaminate money. Most people put cash in their pockets for easy access. Think about that person sticking their sweaty hand into their pocket for their cash. Paper bills will easily soak up whatever germs that person has.


