I have borne witness to some abhorrent behaviors.

There has been a long-running debate on what the dirtiest object in a bathroom is. Morning shows tout studies about how sinks may be more bacteria-ridden than toilet seats. Now, apparently phone screens have become the new favorite bathroom boogeyman.

I disagree. The most bacteria, germ-ridden objects in any bathroom are hands. Then phones, of course. I have seen proof of my statement in the bathrooms of this university and beyond.

I have seen guys walk into a bathroom and use the urinal in a peculiar way. One hand will be taking care of business while the other is focused on scrolling through Twitter, Instagram, etc.

Sometimes, dudes will place their phones on top of the urinal next to the flushing handle. Both hands will be taking care of business while their necks are craned down so they don’t miss the video playing on their phones. They flush and pick up their phones—straight from the urinal.

Some of these individuals have the thought to wash their hands. As if it matters. As if their phone wasn’t just resting on top of the toilet. As if they weren’t going to touch their phone again.

Some of these individuals fully commit to being disgusting. I have seen dudes pick up their phones and walk out without washing their hands. I have seen dudes exit the stalls and leave with their backpack, which was just resting on the bathroom floor next to the toilet, slung on their shoulder.

Everytime, my eyes throw invisible daggers at these individuals as they are exiting, as they leave to infect the world.

Although I may be ranting, there is a true danger to the lazy lack of hand washing. Let’s get gross.

According to the CDC: “A single gram of human feces–which is about the weight of a paperclip–can contain one trillion germs.” It doesn’t take much imagination to consider the amount of germs contained on trace amounts of feces.

These germs contribute to respiratory infections like hand-foot-mouth disease and adenovirus. Fece traces can also contain germs such as Salmonella, norovirus and E. Coli O157.
Additionally, the CDC reports diseases caused by the lack of handwashing are unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics. Hand washing can help fight against the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

This is all to say that although the act of washing your hands may seem minor, it is an important and vital practice for your personal health and that of those around you. Please wash your hands.

True Dabill can be reached at dabi7280@stthomas.edu.