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1 in 4 have traces of poo on their hands

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A study has found that 26% of people have traces of poo on their hands because they are not washing them properly.

Scientists have found that in the UK only 32% of men and 64% of women actually wash their hands after going to the toilet.

In some cases the amount of germs is the same as in a dirty toilet.

It's important to wash them after going to the toilet and before eating to stop diseases spreading.

Some people have hands as dirty as a toilet.

Bacteria facts

Although they might look clean everyone has bacteria on their hands and some of them are dangerous and can give you an upset stomach.

  • The average person's hands carry at least 3,000 different bacteria

  • They belong to more than 100 species

  • Everyone has a unique bacteria "fingerprint"

  • You can identify a person from the bacteria they leave behind after touching an object

  • Bacteria can stay on an object for two weeks at room temperature

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Experts say it's important to use soap when you wash your hands.

And even though they might wash their hands experts say some people aren't doing it properly or for long enough. They say it should take you the same length of time as singing Happy Birthday twice.

Guide to washing your hands

  • Wet hands, apply soap and rub palms together until soap is bubbly

  • Rub each palm over the back of the other hand

  • Rub between your fingers on each hand

  • Rub backs of fingers

  • Rub around each of your thumbs

  • Rub both palms with finger tips then rinse

  • Dry your hands well

Source: Global Hygiene Council