UK drivers have been issued a warning over petrol stations as they prepare for Easter getaways.
A new study has uncovered the hidden risk motorists face when refueling their vehicles.
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The research found that alarming traces of bacteria have been discovered on fuel pumps across the UK, reports GB News.
These results indicate everything from E. coli and Salmonella to faecal matter can be found on the handles of petrol pumps.
The study found that pumps contained the same bacterial makeup typically found on toilet seats.
Researchers swabbed several test sites at petrol stations in three major cities to gather this data.
They examined diesel and unleaded pumps as well as pay-at-pump monitors and door handles of petrol stations.
All tested locations showed the presence of sickness-causing bugs, including E. coli, Salmonella, and faecal matter.
These findings suggest motorists may be exposing themselves to harmful bacteria when fuelling up before their Easter trips.
Experts have warned these contaminants could pose health risks to certain individuals.
With millions of drivers set to hit the roads in the coming weeks, this could pose an even greater risk to the general public.
Nottingham had the highest levels of bacteria out of the three tested locations.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found at an elevated count of 1720 CFU.
This bacteria is most commonly found on cockroaches and in their faecal droppings.
“A count of 1720 CFU is significantly higher than typical levels expected,” said Tomas Gabor, director at industrial hygiene consultancy Sysco.
“Even when compared to a clean toilet seat, the levels usually sit below 100 CFU/cm2.
“This bacteria can cause skin infections, respiratory issues, and infections in immunocompromised individuals.”
Public surfaces with the highest traces of bacteria
- Door handles
- Public restroom sinks
- ATM keypads
- Gym equipment
- Restaurant menus
According to experts, the ideal CFU count should be undetectable or below 100 CFU on surfaces.
Meanwhile, Manchester’s petrol pumps were found to contain E-coli and Clostridium perfringens.
They also tested positive for Faecal streptococci, indicating the presence of human faecal matter on the pumps.
London’s petrol stations surprisingly had fewer bacteria than Nottingham’s despite being the most populated city in the UK.
“It is interesting to see that London had one of the lowest counts of bacteria on its pumps,” said Dorry Potter, from National Scrap Car.
Experts recommended motorists take precautions when handling petrol pumps, especially those with compromised immune systems.
The results come just months after Tesco implemented a “maximum limit” on fuel for customers.
And once you’ve got your hand sanitizer at the ready, be sure not to make a common mistake while refuelling.
The Sun previously found that a fifth of drivers have used the wrong fuel type in their vehicles at least once.
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