Oct. 28, 99 -- The University of Arizona used a Utah developed technology called Glo Germ. It's similar to the flourescent technique used in fingerprinting. Only in this case, the criminals are dangerous germs left behind and still surviving on towels, toilet seats and handles, countertops - even doorknobs.

In these vials collected from playground equipment and public telephones, Dr. Kelley Reynolds' group found high levels of contamination in pieces of blood, urine, saliva and sweat.

She says other filthy surfaces included bus-rail armrests, shopping cart handles, armchair rests, vending machine knobs, customer shared pens - even television remote controls.

Dr. Kelly Reynolds / University of Arizona: "YOU CONTAMINATE YOUR HANDS IN PUBLIC AREAS SUCH AS GROCERY STORES AND SHOPPING MALLS. THEN WHEN YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR YOU NOW CONTAMINATE YOU STEERING WHEEL AND GEAR SHIFT. BY THE TIME YOU DRIVE HOME YOU CARRY THESE CONTAMINATES FROM YOUR CAR INTO THE HOME ENVIRONMENT."

Dr Reynold's says once home, a person can touch 300 additional surfaces in less than 30 minutes. Her study says the potential risk of contaminating surfaces in the home with harmful bacteria is extremely high.

Ed Yeates, Science Specialist: "THE STUDY THOUGH IS NOT ABOUT PARANOIA - NOR DOES IT SUGGEST WE BECOME OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE IN OUR BEHAVIOR, FEARING TO TOUCH ANYTHING IN A PUBLIC PLACE."

It's also impractical to spray disinfectant on EVERYTHING.

Glo-Germ was used several years ago by a Health Hygiene Coalition in Salt Lake County to identify germs on the hands of children. The lesson then is still the most practical advice now. Before eating or handling food - simply wash your hands.