In "When good co-workers have bad bathroom habits," a Slate home page "video Prudie" that started automatically, Prudence for Slate V advised that reading magazines left in public bathrooms is completely safe. She authoritatively stated in an authoritative manner: "Believe me, the reading material is safe."

She is flat out wrong. What's more, she's spreading dangerous misinformation.

Even a cursory search of the leading ways germs are spread should have revealed to Prudie that number one way adults become ill is by touch--when their hands come into contact with germs and they then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, or they eat without washing first.

Although coughing or sneezing can directly transmit germs, most illnesses are spread when germs from nasal secretions or fecal matter are left on a surface such as a bathroom sink counter or faucet handle or doorknob. The hard, slick surfaces readily facilitate transfer. Glossy magazine covers and pages certainly have the same capacity.

And to the extent that absorbent newspaper soaks up snot, urine, and feces, it will provide a breeding ground for germs. While hard, smooth surfaces provide easy transfer, they are rather inhospitable. Germs don't live long on them--as the moisture dries quickly and they expire due to exposure. Newspaper wet with water or bodily fluids, on the other hand, is habitable for a longer duration.

If I ever meet Prudence in person, I will not be shaking her hand.

Slate would do well to remove this misinformation immediately and to do what it can to counter the injurious effect of her video by publishing accurate advice in its place.

~glinteye