Motorists Petrol Pumps- Why wear gloves?

[sunshine-happy]

A recent study has revealed alarming traces of E. coli, Salmonella, and even faecal matter on fuel pumps across the United Kingdom.

Medical professionals strongly advise all motorists to exercise caution when handling petrol pumps, particularly those with compromised immune systems.

The research uncovered that petrol pumps exhibited the same bacterial composition commonly found on toilet seats. The investigation examined diesel and unleaded pumps, pay-at-pump monitors, and door handles.

All tested petrol stations demonstrated the presence of pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Faecal streptococci, indicating the presence of human faecal matter.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected at an elevated count of 1720 colony-forming units (CFU). This bacteria is commonly found on cockroaches and in their faecal excrement. Tomas Gabor, director at industrial hygiene consultancy Sysco, commented: “A count of 1720 CFU is significantly higher than typical levels anticipated. Even when compared to a pristine toilet seat, the levels typically reside below 100 CFU/cm2.” This bacteria can lead to skin infections, respiratory complications, and infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Medical experts caution that these contaminants pose potential health risks to certain individuals. Always wear gloves when refuting and don't forget the fuelling stations door handles too.

[SofiaDeo Administrator]

Agreed, I keep a set of gloves in the car specifically for gas station pump handles. And sanitizer.

[Walkingtall62 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Hi, you teach me so much. Thanks. I love reading your posts x

[Poodle2 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Same here, Sofia!

[ChristyAnne_UK in reply to SofiaDeo]

Is the sanitiser for cleaning the gloves after use?

[SofiaDeo Administrator in reply to ChristyAnne_UK]

Only in the summer when I use a rubber type dish washing glove, I santize the surface. In the winter I use a wool mix due to the cold, which doesn't get sanitized just washed at the end of winter. I sanitize my fingers/fingertips of my hands every time. I stuff the gloves in that space between the seat & the console, and IDK if there's anything viable left on them in between wearings. So I sanitize my fingers after replacing them.

[ChristyAnne_UK in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you.

[RobertCLL]

Always use gloves at the petrol station.

[Cllady25]

Not surprising!

I have in U.S. a one-of-a-kind (at least in my city) gas station with just 2 sets of pumps and 2 mechanics without a "convenience shop" connected to it. And it is in a neighborhood with a elementary school across the street.

Except for the extra set of pumps that were installed more recently, it is original from the late 1930s. AND, there is always a person who comes to my car and pumps my gas!!! The mechanics are brothers and owners--the sons of the original owner.

I have always pumped my own gas, but I am now going on 85 and the weather situations of rain, cold, too hot have begun to bother me.

Anyone envy what I think of as a treasured find? 🙃 It may not be that rare in the U.S. I don't travel anymore.

[SofiaDeo Administrator in reply to Cllady25]

Are you in Oregon? They used to be like New Jersey, where people could *not* pump their own gas.

I LOVED when I was there for my first CLL trial. IDK if this law has changed since I was there, but I wish we had the option. My MIL loved being able to choose to pull up to the "full service" pump in California, back in the day. She has Multiple Sclerosis & appreciated Not having to deal with a gas pump.

The areas at home/near CLL specialist/treatment house, all make me pump my own. I would prefer to pay the extra $ not to have to expose myself to that germ cesspool.

[Cllady25 in reply to SofiaDeo]

I am in Music City USA---which is teeming with visitors from all over the world, so, having a more isolated place to get fueled was my thought, and I was surprised to have a person (the first one was a woman) knock on my window to say she would do the pumping.

They have a lot of neighborhood "white heads" like me and it is a service to us and not to all their customers. I live about 8 miles from that station, and pass many of the new style stations on my way their special attention. I can make an appt. and go early in A.M. for an oil change.

[SofiaDeo Administrator in reply to Cllady25]

🤗I'm soooo jealous lolol We could use some Southern Hospitality elsewhere in the US!

[LeoPa]

Wow, I never gave this a thought. Now I can't push the image of someone scratching their butt before going to fill up their tank out of my mind 🤣.

[Astro617 in reply to LeoPa]

😂

[wellbeingwarrior in reply to LeoPa]

🤣😆

[Cazbolac]

My husband & I always wear disposable gloves when filling our car. We have ever since covid. I just feel it is better to be safe than sorry, especially as my immune system is so compromised.

[Random78]

I would be really interested in reading the study paper, if you can find a link.

[sunshine-happy in reply to Random78]

I took the information from press releases but have found this link to an older research paper, not read by me .

nottingham-repository.workt...

[Sandywhatsit in reply to Random78]

I too was interested and searched for it. Here it is. Only tested at 4 petrol stations, but in this case I suspect it is fairly representative. nationalscrapcar.co.uk/blog...

[clifflee]

There was always a need for using gloves when pumping diesel due to it being the main cause of testicular cancer that’s why there’s always gloves supplied!

[Indolent]

I carry and used latex gloves every time I am getting fuel. It is certainly more sanitary. But it also avoids making my hands stink.

[Noelnoel]

All public door handles are the same and so is produce handled in supermarkets. Never be tempted to eat that rosy apple before washing it

[TomS2]

Gas pump handles, grocery cart handles, door handles, anything handles. Why would you shake ANYBODY'S hand if you have cancer of any type and are going through treatment? I explain I'm fighting cancer, and don't feel sorry for me, it's my life, but I don't shake hands. Then I cough into my hand and put it out and say do you really want to shake my hand now?

While getting an infusion I witnessed this for 20 minutes.

[DanBro1]

Who woulda thought......?? Thanks for the reminder!

[SERVrider]

Faecal matter?? Yuk. Using petrol (gasoline) rather than diesel, I have never bothered with gloves when re-fuelling, When using diesel (white or red) I have always used gloves, not because of testicular cancer but because it stinks. Now I know, I think rubber gloves are going to be essential in the car from now on.

PS. White diesel in the UK and most of Europe is taxed for road use and for use in motor boats, red diesel is untaxed and is for agricultural, generators and non-public road uses. If you're caught using red on the road the fines can be swingeing both as a penalty and a restitution to the Treasury of the lost duty.

[Doggoneit101]

I make my hubby gas up my car if at all possible the night before I go anywhere . If we go to a store together he always wipes down the buggy for me. I have gotten sick from dirty buggies before. I gladly allow him to open all doors or any handles for me. If he's not with me I keep a wash rag in my purse. Then when I get home I throw it in the wash and stick a new clean one back in my purse. I don't like to use public restrooms unless it's an absolute emergency! I always carry a small container of hand sanitizer in my pocket. I wear plastic gloves when touching any raw meat. I NEVER EVER eat at buffets! I try my best to stay away from anyone sick. I wear gloves and a mask while working in any dirt or cleaning up any dirty places that may harbor any bacteria or fungus. I don't touch any pets unless I know they are fully vaccinated. I've gotten all my vaccinations. I've unfortunately learned the hard way it's better to be safe than sorry. This may be extreme for other's but it works for me and my family. Hope this helps.

[BigDee]

Hello sunshine-happy

I do not mean to belittle anyone but I do not wear gloves to pump gas. I am much more concerned about runny noses and coughs. I do not get ill but very infrequently. The bacteria found on gas station pumps can be found on any public door handle, toilet, etc. and etc. Hand sanitizer works for me. Blessings.

[InFlorida]

No disrespect intended but I believe wearing gloves is an overreaction. Unfortunately, everything we touch is contaminated with various contaminants that would be considered a “ potential health risk”.

I think that constant, old fashioned hand washing does more good than wearing gloves. I’ve seen way too many people (wearing gloves) touching unprotected areas i.e. face, nose, etc. or taking their gloves off again contacting unprotected areas.

As to hand sanitizers, I, like others, keep mine in storage areas that affect the shelf of them (like cars) reducing their effectiveness. Accordingly I don’t rely on them as much as I used to.

Anyway, have a good day, Randy

[bennevisplace]

The last sentence of your post I dispute, and I'm not wearing gloves 😄