lily
01-25-2007, 04:57 AM
DUH (http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/01/24/germs.sponges.reut/index.html?eref=rss_topstories)
Microwave experiments cause sponge disasters
POSTED: 9:07 p.m. EST, January 24, 2007
Story Highlights
. Some who tried to sanitize germy sponges in microwave got unpleasant
results
. News outlets got complaints of odors, ruined appliances
. Researchers advise that the sponges must be WET before going in microwave
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Reports about a study that found microwave ovens can
be used to sterilize kitchen sponges sent people hurrying to test the idea
this week -- with sometimes disastrous results.
A team at the University of Florida found that two minutes in the microwave
at full power could kill a range of bacteria, viruses and parasites on
kitchen sponges.
They described how they soaked the sponges in wastewater and then zapped
them. (Microwave zaps germs on sponges.)
But several experimenters evidently left out the crucial step of wetting the
sponge.
"Just wanted you to know that your article on microwaving sponges and
scrubbers aroused my interest. However, when I put my sponge/scrubber into
the microwave, it caught fire, smoked up the house, ruined my microwave, and
pissed me off," one correspondent wrote in an e-mail to Reuters.
"First, the sponge is worthless afterwards so you have to throw it out
instead of using it. And second your entire house stinks like a burning tire
for several hours, even with windows/doors open," complained another.
Aaron Hoover, a press officer at the University of Florida, said several
other news organizations received similar complaints, although no one had
complained directly to the university.
"We figured, 'Wow, we better let people know right away that the sponge
should be wet,"' Hoover said in a telephone interview.
The university issued the following advisory: "To guard against the risk of
fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the
sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most
sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people
should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be
hot."
Microwave experiments cause sponge disasters
POSTED: 9:07 p.m. EST, January 24, 2007
Story Highlights
. Some who tried to sanitize germy sponges in microwave got unpleasant
results
. News outlets got complaints of odors, ruined appliances
. Researchers advise that the sponges must be WET before going in microwave
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Reports about a study that found microwave ovens can
be used to sterilize kitchen sponges sent people hurrying to test the idea
this week -- with sometimes disastrous results.
A team at the University of Florida found that two minutes in the microwave
at full power could kill a range of bacteria, viruses and parasites on
kitchen sponges.
They described how they soaked the sponges in wastewater and then zapped
them. (Microwave zaps germs on sponges.)
But several experimenters evidently left out the crucial step of wetting the
sponge.
"Just wanted you to know that your article on microwaving sponges and
scrubbers aroused my interest. However, when I put my sponge/scrubber into
the microwave, it caught fire, smoked up the house, ruined my microwave, and
pissed me off," one correspondent wrote in an e-mail to Reuters.
"First, the sponge is worthless afterwards so you have to throw it out
instead of using it. And second your entire house stinks like a burning tire
for several hours, even with windows/doors open," complained another.
Aaron Hoover, a press officer at the University of Florida, said several
other news organizations received similar complaints, although no one had
complained directly to the university.
"We figured, 'Wow, we better let people know right away that the sponge
should be wet,"' Hoover said in a telephone interview.
The university issued the following advisory: "To guard against the risk of
fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the
sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most
sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people
should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be
hot."