MetaChat - I work with a bunch of OCD freaks.

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

28 April 2006

I work with a bunch of OCD freaks. They installed a Purell dispenser outside the bathrooms in our building. Now everyone is maniacally rubbing the germs off their hands about a dozen times a day. It's in the hallway leading to and from the elevator, so everyone takes another hit as they walk by.

I'm worried that I may be required to eat the shit directly from my bosses' hands now.

post by: mullacc at: 17:58 | 13 comments

Your office is going to have the most resistant bacteria on earth. New diseases will be formed, and likely wipe out the human race. Hope they're happy.

posted by mike9322 28 April | 18:00

And by the shit, I meant the work they give me, not Purell. Though, the Purell may be better.

posted by mullacc 28 April | 18:01

Our facilities manager is on this Purell kick too.

posted by matildaben 28 April | 18:04

Didn't Purell used to be a flowery green women's shampoo from the 70's?

posted by fenriq 28 April | 18:04

That's Prell.

posted by matildaben 28 April | 18:06

Ooooh yeah. Hey, its pretty close.

posted by fenriq 28 April | 18:07

12. Does Purell® instant hand sanitizer contribute to antimicrobial resistance?

No, because alcohol evaporates completely, there is no alcohol left behind to promote adaptation. Alcohol has been used in health care for many years with minimal adverse effects.

Is it OK to drink?

posted by warbaby 28 April | 18:12

Fun fact: Purell and the like can only cure bacteria, and most diseases are caused by viruses.

posted by Capn 28 April | 18:23

Is it OK to drink?

Let me buy you some tomorrow and you can test it out, warbaby!

posted by matildaben 28 April | 18:29

If it's denatured with isopropyl, it should be possible to bind it with Norit-B and rectify by distillation. It starts out at 120 proof.

posted by warbaby 28 April | 18:52

I smell a "The Office" episode.

posted by santee cooper 28 April | 23:49

I call bullshit on the "Does not promote resistance" claim.

So what if the alcohol evaporates? It is the living bacteria that remains after the bacterial decimation that will create the new generation of diseases.

posted by sarah connor 29 April | 08:03

Purell doesn't promote resistence because it's not an antibiotic. Its active ingredient is ethyl alcohol, which ruptures the cell membranes of bacteria. Bacteria can't "adapt" to that sort of attack.

However, overuse of hand sanitizer could lead to chapped, cracked hands and eventually contact dermatitis. Your coworkers better be hitting the moisturizer pump, too.

posted by me3dia 29 April | 15:04

← Who's Hungry? || BP Radio →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN