Bacterial contamination of Japanese households and related concern about sanitation.

In this study samples were taken from 90 sites in 5 homes. Homes with pre-school children were selected as these would demonstrate relatively high concern about hygiene. The kitchen was found to have the greatest degree of contamination, and the toilet had the lowest contamination levels. Areas where water is used tended have higher counts. A survey of 28 housewives with pre-school children determined their concerns about sanitation of the home. They were concerned about ‘germs’ on items such as washing-up sponges, chopping boards, hand towels and toys.However, they were not concerned about ’germs’ on knife handles, faucet handles and other contact surfaces. Journal of Environmental Health Research 2002;12:41-52.