Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering if you would be interested in answering an interview? I am doing a project on what gas station has the most germs on the handle of their gas pumps and i need an expert to interview. The questions would be mainly about salinity and their affect on germs.
         Thank you


ANSWER: send the questions

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:
1. what types of bacteria are found in common places?

2.do you know if different levels of salinity i the air have an affect on germs?

3.what is some of the deadliest bacteria found on common places people touch?

4. can swine flu be found on gas pumps/or common places of the sort?

5. does anybody monitor the levels of bacteria at the gas station?

6. what is the most contagious bacteria found in common places?

7. how long can germs stay alive on public handles?

8. do you know any interesting facts about germs/or their affect on something

thank you for your time,
         Nicole Williamson


Answer
1 Mostly gram positive rod shaped bacteria. Bacillus species.  Also harmless staph species
2 The only time you would find salt in the air is near the ocean and bacteria are not common there
3 The Tetanus bacillus and pathogenic staph
4 Yes
5 not that I know of
6 staph and strep
7 Spore forming bacteria can survive indefinitely Others a couple of hours depending upon the species
8 The most interstin thing about bacteria today is that E coli has been genetically engineered to produce human insulin