The Five-Second Rule and Other Myths About Germs: What Everyone Should Know About Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, and Mildew

by Anne E. Maczulak

They’re everywhere! In water, food, air, and soil. On the kitchen counter and in the bathroom. On our skin, in our intestines, and even swimming in our mouths! They affect us every second of our lives, but most microbes are terribly misunderstood. The Five-Second Rule and Other Myths about Germs does away with the notion that you need a doctorate to understand the microscopic world. Dr. Anne Maczulak addresses all the questions we have about microbes in a fun and informative way. Loaded with myth-busting sidebars, health and sanitation tips, and illustrations of our invisible friends and enemies, this is the one how-to reference every person needs to live a healthy life in our microbial world.While giving readers a primer on the science of microbes, Dr. Maczulak explains: Whether or not the “five-Second Rule” really applies when you drop food on the floor The bacterial dangers lurking in the workplace and at home, even in your laundry Surprising facts about household cleaning products What cautions we should take during food preparation What we should do about anthrax Why it may be safer to eat your sandwich in the bathroom than in the kitchen Loaded with informational sidebars and more than 30 illustrations. Includes 25 frequently asked questions about microbes.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2007

Reviews

[Bret Parker]

In 2021-22 this information seems somewhat dated, yet somewhat relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. The advice on handwashing--how to be thorough--has not changed. A well-written introduction to the significance and operations of slime, bacteria, viruses, and fungi--microbes.

[J Crossley]

This was a very educational book. The title comes from the popular notion that if something falls on the floor, it is safe to eat if it has been on the floor less than five seconds. This is not true. A lot depends on how much foot traffic there is and the cleanliness of the floor. 

Many other aspects of the invisible toxins in our environment are discussed.The author also talks about how to keep you and your family safe.

[Kathleen]

I feel like people are totally overzealous when it comes to hand washing. Do you really need to wash your hands with soap and water every time you go to the bathroom? Unless you work at a restaurant or at Penn Station, I don't think so! I'm hoping to find out if it is indeed necessary to wash your hands so much, and if hand sanitizer actually does more harm than good.

[Yvonne]

Eh. It was OK. A good intro to microbiology for the layperson, and a good model for health professionals to discuss disease with those less scientifically inclined. I felt a little like I was being condescended to by the tone, but that's probably because I know this stuff.

[Angela]

Fun title, boring book. Great text on microbiology, but the information stands alone, unaccompanied by humor, cleverness, or storyline. Should've just read a text book: the pictures would have been better.

[Gina]

I already knew most of this from microbiology classes, but it had a lot of good info for people who don't have a science background.

[Rae]

A good basic review of microbiology for the average germophobe.

[Msbossy]

Scvary, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

[Steve]

A fun quick read on bacteria and viruses.

[Patricia]

So creepy! And so much fun!!!

[Melissa]

Very scientific.