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Men Have More Bacteria in Their Offices: Study

Though it could just be because they're bigger

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2012 11:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – If you're a guy, chances are your office is swarming with microbial coworkers. OK, it's actually probably true for women as well, but a new study has found that on average, men have 10% to 20% more bacteria in their offices, the New York Times reports. "It could be men are just bigger—they have bigger mouths and more surface area," reasons the author of the study. "But it could also be that men are less hygienic."

The study examined items like chairs, phones, and keyboards in more than 90 offices in three cities: New York, San Francisco, and Tuscon. The results also revealed that New York offices were more bacteria-ridden than San Francisco ones. So where are these critters coming from? You, mostly. "You’re constantly probably shedding these bacteria in this environment," the author explains; most can be traced back to soil, or to the human mouth or skin.

Men's offices may be less cleanly than women's, a new study suggests.
Men's offices may be less cleanly than women's, a new study suggests.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
ladyrosedeky
Jun 5, 2012 12:18 AM CDT
Of course they do. Men have a tendency to wash their hands less then women.
shaboom
Jun 1, 2012 6:15 PM CDT
Men have more bacteria in their orifices?
Beanburger
Jun 1, 2012 1:16 PM CDT
So.. women have 10-20% too few bacteria in their offices! Some women (and some men) have a problem with OVER cleaning  - bacteria is good for you! (Essential in fact.) Living in a sterile environment with loads of chemicals is BAD. (and non-essential {unless your office is a lab / operating room})
 

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