Verifica o de contaminantes de natureza fecal na superfície de torneiras de banheiros públicos

A study was carried out to evaluate the presence of thermotolerant coliforms in sinks of public restrooms. Elevenrestrooms located in the city of Três Cora es - MG were analyzed. These bacteria are indicators of contamination by organic matter ofintestinal origin. The individuals transmit the contaminants that might be in their hands when touching the sink taps. Right after washingtheir hands, they recontaminate the hands by touching again the sink tap, establishing the infectious cycle. As for the results, 24% of thesink taps and 73% of the restrooms showed positive results concerning the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, indicating that the act ofwashing hands is not effective and that it might affect the health of individuals. A health program which makes the population aware ofhow important the hand washing process is recommended.