Queensland: Imagine you’re away from home but forgot to pack your towel, razor or toothbrush.

Should you use other people’s? Here’s why it’s probably best not to make a habit of it.

Microbes can stay active for a while

Many disease-causing bacteria, viruses or fungi live on cloth, plastic and metal objects in your bathroom. These so-called pathogenic microbes can remain viable on these surfaces for extended periods. That is, they’re able to cause infection for days, months or years.

For example, the fungus Aspergillus can remain viable for more than a month on cloth and plastic. Some bacteria can survive on these surfaces for years. And many viruses can remain viable for hours to months on some materials such as ceramics, metals, cloth and plastics.

But what is the risk from particula

See Full Page