Gross Germ-Spreading Behaviors Remain the Norm, Despite Flu Season Concerns

The Water Quality and Health Council Calls for Greater Surface Disinfection to
Combat Bad Hygiene

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Do you cough without
covering your mouth while standing in the lunch line? Or sneeze loudly into
the air when squeezed onto the morning bus? Nearly all Americans (96 percent)
have seen you do things like this -- and a shocking three quarters (77
percent) say they are guilty themselves.

Even with heightened concerns during this year's flu season, Americans admit
that sleeves are a fine substitute for tissues: one in four wipes their nose
on them. One in ten is even more gross: skipping sleeves altogether in favor
of hands to wipe their nose and then... extending for a handshake or reaching
for a door handle.

So, what are we doing about it? In a recent survey by the Water Quality and
Health Council, Americans come clean; we're not doing much. Despite constant
warnings from health officials and a recent Risk Analysis study showing a 31
percent chance of infection through hand contact with contaminated surfaces,
few Americans frequently clean the public surfaces they use. At the same
time, not many have faith that others are cleaning them either:

-- Just one in ten believes surfaces at the mall or on public transit are
disinfected regularly;
-- Fewer than half think restaurant staff is disinfecting tables;

-- Less than a third feel confident that school surfaces are properly
sterilized.

Regardless of this, just one in ten is inclined to do the job themselves. In
fact, as opposed to wiping down the surfaces they come in contact with, a
whopping 42 percent of Americans are opting to avoid public spaces altogether.

But staying home isn't the answer. Taking control of your environment is.
"Knowing that flu viruses can live on inanimate surfaces for hours or even
days should motivate people to take personal responsibility to protect
themselves," said Dr. Chris Wiant, Water Quality & Health Council chairman.
"This means disinfecting surfaces when feasible, using disinfecting wipes or
chlorine bleach -- especially at home and at work -- as well as washing your
hands and practicing good personal hygiene habits. Contacting school
administrators, office managers and even health club managers will help you
understand their cleaning and disinfecting protocol and how you can better
safeguard against the flu. "

To help people prevent the spread of H1N1, The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping surfaces clean by wiping them down with a
disinfectant according to the directions on the product label.

In addition to cleaning surfaces, the CDC advises:

-- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a
tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your
hands.
-- Washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are
not
available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
-- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

-- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends staying home for
at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care
or
for other necessities.

For more information on how to prevent the spread of H1N1 through surface
disinfection, please visit www.fluandhealth.com

An online omnibus survey was conducted among a census representative sample of
1,037 Americans 18+ using the field services of Opinion Research Corporation.
Interviewing for this survey was completed on September 28-29, 2009, and has a
margin of error +/-3.1% at the 95% confidence level.

The Water Quality & Health Council (WQHC) is a body of independent scientific
experts, health professionals and consumer advocates who serve as advisors to
the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council, an industry
trade association.

SOURCE The Water Quality & Health Council

Nicole Mezlo, +1-202-729-4210, nicole.mezlo@ogilvypr.com, for The Water
Quality & Health Council