The Eight Most Germ-Filled Spots At The Mall

You'll probably be hitting the mall at least once in the next few weeks or you already have, and you should - there is a lot going on out there. You can look at the mile of lights, see Santa, get some good deals, check out the progress of the new movie theater, and touch some disgusting things without knowing it! So here's a warning list that hopefully won't gross you out too much.  It's the eight most germ-filled spots at the shopping mall, according to "Health" magazine. Before you get mad at me for ruining your Christmas shopping, look at how Christmassy bacteria and germs can look :)

#1.)  The Bathroom Sink. It's the dirtiest place in the bathroom because it never dries out, which helps bacteria grow.  And after someone uses the toilet, the first thing they touch is the faucet. They also say the soap dispensers are pretty disgusting.  One in four contained unsafe amounts of bacteria.  But since you touch the dispenser right before you wash your hands, it's not as big a deal.

#2.)  The Tables in the Food Court. Even if you see an employee wipe it down, there's no way to know how clean the RAG is.  If they've been using the same one all day, the rag itself can spread bacteria like E. coli.

#3.)  The Escalator Handrails. If you touch one then touch your face, it's like ASKING to get the flu.  One research group tested escalator handrails, and found E. coli, urine, mucus, feces, and BLOOD.

#4.)  ATM Keypads. Researchers in China tested 38 ATMs in a busy city center, and found that each key contained an average of 1,200 germs.  And the dirtiest key was the "Enter" button. The best way to avoid the germs is to use hand sanitizer afterward.  And instead of hitting the buttons with your finger, use your knuckle.  Germs on your fingertips are much more likely to eventually end up in your mouth.

#5.)  Toy Stores. Thousands of kids touch thousands of toys, and leave behind millions of germs.  Unfortunately, you can't do much about it while you're in the store . . . other than use hand sanitizer when you leave. But if you BUY something, you can be extra careful and wipe it down with alcohol or vinegar before you give it to your child.

#6.)  Fitting Rooms. The rooms aren't actually the problem.  The CLOTHING is.  When people try things on, skin cells and sweat accumulate on the fabric.  And both of those things help bacteria grow. You don't have to worry about shirts and sweaters as much.  But before you try on a pair of pants or a dress, make sure you're wearing FULL-COVERAGE underwear.  In other words . . . no thongs.

#7.)  The Gadgets at Electronics Stores. Display items you can touch . . . like cameras and cell phones . . . are absolutely COVERED in germs. And a study published last year found that viruses transfer extremely easily between the glass screens on electronics, and our fingertips.

#8.)  Makeup Samples. A 2005 study found that at least 67% of make-up 'testers' are contaminated with bacteria, including staph, strep, and E. coli.