March 10, 2011 12:02 pm PST
Original Link: http://feeds.boingboing.net/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/mBLT-yZgRnA/are-cloth-seats-a-pu.html
Are cloth seats a public health hazard? Possibly.
Judging from a single, very small survey of San Francisco's BART and Muni systems, fabric seats on public transportation may not be the best choice for public health. A biologist tested one Muni plastic seat and one cloth BART seat—both chosen at random—for bacterial growth. The Muni seat had a couple of harmless bacteria that were easily cleaned off. The BART seat, on the other hand, was home to mold and several different kinds of bacteria, including some antibiotic-resistant strains. This sampling is small enough that it might just reflect a particular line, or part of the train, rather than a systemic issue. So I wouldn't panic if you have to ride BART every day. But it's certainly worrisome enough to warrant more study soon. (Submitterated by Jack)...Original Link: http://feeds.boingboing.net/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/mBLT-yZgRnA/are-cloth-seats-a-pu.html
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