Positioning

PUBLIC CONTACT

Recent outbreaks of unusual, highly contagious diseases have given rise to widespread panic across the world. AIDS, SARS, Mad Cow and most recently Bird Flu are spreading farther then ever before due to modern global travel. At the same time we are constantly bombarded with sensational reports from the media about newfound dangers in the resources we depend on. New statistics of toxicity in the fish we eat, the air we breathe and the soil we grow crops in generates a prevailing sense of danger in our own homes.

Public resources such as pay phones and water fountains can be a breeding ground for disease-causing germs. In December 2003, the New York Daily News did an investigation of bacteria on the New York Mass Transit System. Swabs of handrails, buttons, and poles touched daily by tens of thousands of commuters revealed a shocking amount of dangerous microbes. From 49 locations across the city, The News found "14 cases of E.coli, 10 cases of streptococcus viridians, and 9 cases of enterococcus", a fecal bacteria. The Metro-North ticket machine at Grand Central Station was drizzled with Streph A germs that cause flesh-eating bacteria.

SELF CONTACT

On a smaller scale, consumer antibacterial products such as hand wipes and wash gel are feeding the public's paranoia of bacteria, giving the illusion of protection from other people's germs. But is the trend of hyper-cleanliness doing more harm then good: the harsh chemicals found in antibacterial gels " strip away the naturally protective fats and oils on the skin ", leaving hands cracked, dry, and vulnerable to open sores. Dr. Eli Perencevich, a research fellow in infectious diseases at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, says ".there are [lab] studies that suggest use of such products kill off the sensitive bacteria, leaving [behind] hardier bacteria such as E. Coli and staphylococcus aureus, which could be detrimental to health."

In September 2002, the popular antibacterial agent triclosan was found to promote bacterial growth. Stanford University investigators found that some E. coli strains that were resistant to triclosan became increasingly strong over time. Even more worrisome is that this resistance was building at an accelerated growth rate .

SOCIAL CONTACT

Stepping outside our doors, do we trust each other to keep common spaces and shared resources healthy? The semi-private domains of school and workplace are where we mix with people we recognize. From our experience in such domains, we may carry assumptions about the subculture of people within this space that give us a false sense of security. But where do other people "draw the line" with personal hygiene standards?

Criteria For Our Projects Success

• Reveal insights into human psychology regarding awareness/fear of germs and bacteria.
• See how fear can influence behaviour personal, social and public spaces (private and shared).

Readings

Subway Bugs. Link
"Beware the city travel bugs! " - While you may see more garbage, what about the things you CAN'T see?.....

Subway Fear. Link
"Add germs to the list of New York subway perils" - When it comes to the New York City subway system, it's not just the closing doors you want to stand clear of.....

Soap overuse . Link
"Antibacterial soap overuse may help spread disease" - Scrubbing your hands is the first line of defense against bacteria and other germs that can cause colds, the flu, skin problems and even deadly communicable illnesses.....

Office germs . Link
"Dishing the dirt on office germs" - It's not just computer viruses that you should worry about at work....

Superbugs . Link
"Antibacterial Products May Fuel Growth of Superbugs" - New study findings add to growing concerns that widespread use of products containing the antibacterial agent triclosan may be promoting the growth of dangerous superbugs....

Superbugs. Link
"Vision - Murderous Microbes, a.k.a. SUPERBUGS" - A few generations ago, many of the antibiotics humanity has come to rely on were not yet discovered...

Hand Hygiene . Link
"Hand Hygiene Prompts provides the Infection Control Professional
with an easy, prospective technique they can implement without
additional staff"

Hand Hygiene . Link. Survey (ppt). Brochure (pdf).
Does it take an outbreak of a frightening, potentially fatal infectious disease, like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or a gastrointestinal illness on a cruise ship, to get people to follow Mom's advice to "wash your hands after using the bathroom?" ...