Facts

“…contamination [in waiting rooms] of the environment and transmission of infectious agents occur at an increased rate compared with the home setting” – American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Infectious Diseases, June ’00.

“Because there is such a high concentration of pathogens in physicians’ offices, toys in the waiting room can transmit infectious diseases.” – AAP, Feb. ’04.

“Studies show some pathogens can survive for up to 30 days on certain surfaces” – AAP, Feb. ’04.

“Playing with toys helps them to have a better experience at the office, and I think it helps me have a better experience with the patient” Danette S. Glassy. M.D. – AAP, Feb. ‘04

“Nearly 10% of Americans who are admitted to a hospital pick up an infection while they are there” – Time, March ’04.

“Toys at a daycare or preschool should be washable; they spread germs when children handle them or put them in their mouth” – Today’s Parent.com, Feb ’98.

“Wash hands. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent illness.” – Parents, Feb. ’04.

“Eighty percent of all infectious diseases are spread by direct contact….or by indirect contact, like touching a door knob or handling a phone that a sick person has used” – Good Housekeeping, Aug. ‘04

“The easiest way to catch a cold is by getting the virus on your hands and then touching your nose and eyes.” – Parents, Jan. ’03.

“80% of infections are spread through hand contact” – Sanitary Maintenance, Aug. 04.

“Children under 24 months put their mouths on objects 81 times per hour. For kids over 24 months, that number went down to a still-staggering 42 times per hour.” –Parenting, Aug. 05.