Germs on the Move: How Bacteria Spread From Surfaces to Food
In Germs on the Move: How Bacteria Spread From Surfaces to Food, host Harith Iskander explains why food dropped on the floor, no matter how quickly it's picked up, is covered in germs. Even if food is only on the floor for five seconds, bacteria and other harmful organisms can transfer to it. Learn how germs move from one surface to another, showing that our surroundings are always teeming with bacteria. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: Why should you avoid eating food that's dropped on the floor, even if it's only there for a few seconds?
A: Germs and bacteria are on all surfaces, and they can transfer to food quickly, even within a few seconds.
Q: How do germs spread from one surface to another?
A: Germs can be transferred when you touch something dirty and then touch food, or when food comes into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Q: What are some ways to prevent germs from spreading?
A: Wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces regularly, and avoid eating food that has been on the floor or in unsanitary places.
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In Dirty Places: How Germs Spread Everywhere, host Harith Iskander takes a look at some of the germiest objects we touch every day. From ATM keypads to office mugs, common items are often covered in bacteria, including dangerous pathogens. Learn how organisms, including germs, can be transferred from one object to another and how bacteria spread in places we interact with daily. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.

In Dirty Places: How Germs Spread Everywhere, host Harith Iskander takes a look at some of the germiest objects we touch every day. From ATM keypads to office mugs, common items are often covered in bacteria, including dangerous pathogens. Learn how organisms, including germs, can be transferred from one object to another and how bacteria spread in places we interact with daily. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.