While owners of electric cars may not want to touch a gas pump because of what comes out of it, there may be a reason for everyone else to be concerned too.
Objects that are regularly handled by a lot of people tend to gather germs, and gas pumps are handled by many, many people on a daily basis.
So when it comes to dirtiness, how does the average gas pump compare to other everyday items people come in contact with?
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It may just be the "germiest" item in America, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A recent study by Kimberly-Clark professionals looked at suspected germ hot spots as part of the company's Healthy Workplace Project.
Hygienists swabbed different areas, and the samples were then analyzed by a team including University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba.

Non-ethanol gasoline pump, with Six Month Road Test Hyundai Veloster
Known as "Dr. Germ," Gerba found that 71 percent of gas-pump handles sampled were "highly contaminated" with the kinds of germs most associated with a high risk of illness.
Corner-mailbox handles were the second-most contaminated at 68 percent. Other potential germ hazard zones included ATM buttons (41 percent contamination) and escalator railings (43 percent).
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Other areas germaphobes may want to avoid included parking meters and kiosks--with about 40 percent contamination--and crosswalk buttons and vending machines, which were tied at 35 percent.
To combat all of those ambient germs, Kimberly-Clark advises washing hands multiple times during the day, and cleaning work stations and computer keyboards and mice regularly.
![BMW ActiveE electric car at closed NJ gas station after Hurricane Sandy [photo: Tom Moloughney] BMW ActiveE electric car at closed NJ gas station after Hurricane Sandy [photo: Tom Moloughney]](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/bmw-activee-electric-car-at-closed-nj-gas-station-after-hurricane-sandy-photo-tom-moloughney_100408477_l.jpg)
BMW ActiveE electric car at closed NJ gas station after Hurricane Sandy [photo: Tom Moloughney]
It's worth noting here that Kimberly-Clark has a vested interest in highlighting germy objects: It sells disinfectant wipes for personal use.
In the case of gas pumps, though, electric-car drivers have a much simpler solution.
Apparently a benefit of ditching gasoline is one less germ-ridden surface to worry about.
MORE: How To Quit Smoking: Buy An Electric Car?
It's just one more way owning an electric car could potentially improve your health.
Another one: Anecdotal evidence suggests that not having to stop at gas stations makes quitting smoking easier.
Just taking the smoker away from a regular source of temptation in the form of readily-available cigarettes can reduce the temptation to buy another pack.
[hat tip: Dave Tuttle]
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