Cloth isn’t risky, can be washed

The recent letters claiming that cloth bags are a health hazard is not based in science. I have worked as a microbiologist in clinical laboratories for the last 30 years doing literally thousands of cultures on various sources. During that time I came to realize that the average person does not base their opinions about “germs” on science but on their own imagined fears. The letter writers did not quote a source for their beliefs that cloth bags used in shopping would carry pathogens.

Bacteria that cause disease are rare in our immediate environment and must have a living source such as animal/human waste and must be provided with the right temperature and humidity. If there is no source and the right conditions, bacteria and mold will not be present.

If I cultured every cloth bag used for groceries, I would bet that there would be nothing more growing than what is present all around us all the time.

Please research your fears before giving an opinion that some people might take as truth.

Carol Strickland