Used books: stale and hygenic, or dirty? Do used books retain germs and other bacteria?

Answer 1

Books are manipulated by people to a great extent. Viruses and bacteria travel from our nose, mouth, and exogenous areas to finally reside in the porous pages of a book. Transmission is relatively easy, however, the ones we do get are suppressed by our immune system. For infection to occur, most bacteria and viruses need a wet medium, ranging from moist air to wet surfaces, so infection occurring by touching a used book is extremely rare.

Answer 2

Everything in this world is dirty,has germs,and other bacteria,nothing is absolutely,totally,really clean,even in so-called "sterile environments"-but if we as humans did not have dirt,bacteria and other kinds of germs,we probably would not be here now.They are unique to our world,and we could not live without them-you could always wash your hands after handling books,old and new,they would still be dirty though:-/

Answer 3

I'm not a expert on this, however, I would think that certain types of bacteria and mold spores may be present on the pages. A healthy immune system should take care of any pathogens that may be present.

Answer 4

I hope not i have thousands and the old ones over 30years do smell stale!!
But there is something about it that makes a book shop inviting!

sorry!

Answer 5

If they do - then I'm a walking petrie dish because I go to the library all the time, and I'm always buying used books from the book market.

Answer 6

They should be fine. You'll pick up far more bacteria just touching doorknobs or stairway railings in any public place.

But I'd still stay away from used girlie magazines..... LOL

Answer 7

This is an interesting question, and one that intrigued me for a very long time.

Answer 8

This is puzzling to me too