The Five-Second Rule and Other Myths About Germs: What Everyone Should Know About Bacteria, Viruses, Mold and Mildew

Science News, Jan 19, 2008

THE FIVE-SECOND RULE AND OTHER MYTHS ABOUT GERMS: What Everyone Should Know About Bacteria, Viruses, Mold and Mildew

ANNE E. MACZULAK

Is it the 5-second rule, the 3-second rule, or the 30-second rule that dictates whether or not to resume eating a cookie that's dropped on the floor? The inexactitude of sanitary habits suggests that people have lost touch with the science behind their behaviors. In this volume, microbiologist Maczulak answers these questions and more. She also provides well-researched methods for preventing harmful microbes from overwhelming your home and infecting your body. The book is crammed with information on newsworthy bacteria, fungi, and viruses that might lurk in a can of corn or linger on a cutting board. As for the debate on whether too much sanitation makes for a weak immune system, Maczulak takes no sides. But on the basis of the germ counts reported in these pages, it's probably best to err on the side of caution. Thunder's Mouth Press, 2007, 296 p., b&w illus., paperback, $14.95.