Nationwide Survey Reports that Mothers View Cleaning Homes and Toys as Essential to Preventing C...( Alliance for Consumer Education Surve...),Health

Alliance for Consumer Education Survey Shows Dramatic Increase In Awareness

That Proper Cleaning Is Crucial To Preventing The Spread Of Germs

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released national survey of mothers found that keeping their homes clean was the best means of protecting their families from the germs that cause colds and flu. Likewise, there is a general recognition that toys can be a significant source of germs. The Alliance for Consumer Education's (ACE) nationwide Germ Study examined mothers' overall awareness of how germs that cause colds and flu are spread. It then assessed their views as to the most effective means of preventing and / or containing colds and flu. This is the second such survey conducted by ACE; the first was completed in 2005. While many of the overall findings in the two surveys were similar, there were some stark differences.

For example, in the 2007 survey 32% of respondents felt that keeping their house clean was the most effective means of protecting against colds and flu. This was the Number One response. In 2005, only 23% of respondents felt home cleaning was the best means of protection against colds and flu. At the same time, 56% of the 2007 respondents said they clean the surface of their children's toys on a weekly basis. In contrast, only 44% of 2005 respondents cleaned their children's toys so regularly.

"The ACE 2007 Germs survey clearly illustrates that mothers understand the threat of exposure to those germs that can cause colds and flu and are taking steps to minimize that threat and protect their families," said Joseph M. Healy, Chairman of the Board, Alliance for Consumer Education. "One of the simplest, most effective things that people can do to minimize the risks from germs is to frequently wash their hands and clean their homes and places of work on a regular basis. It is gratifying to see that the percentage of moms who recognize the importance of home cleaning continue
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