Warning! The following article is extremely dangerous! Read with caution! Well, at least germaphobes that is. But for you scientists and microbiology majors out there, this information should be fascinating.

In previous science classes, I have often heard the question asked, “What are a few of the germiest places in our school?” Well, after researching, I have found that there is not one, or two, but three places in schools that are equally the most dangerous to our health. And this is not just in one school, but in many schools across the nation. Dr, Charles Gerba, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona, brings us this shocking information from Health magazine.

1. School water fountains are the worst that it can get. Scientists have accessed that there are anywhere from 62,000 to 2.7 million bacteria per square inch on the spigot of a typical school water fountain. What is worse? You only need less than one-eighth of the bacteria to make you ill.

2. School playgrounds rank next on the list. Why? Scientific research shows that children are the worst offenders when it comes to germs and dirt. This is because children secrete many bodily fluids, which contaminate the surfaces of swings and other playground equipment. Ready for this? Scientists have tested playground equipment and found that among those bodily fluids are mucus, saliva, and urine.

3. Finally, wrestling mats wrap up the list as one of the three germiest spots in school. This is because wrestling mats are rarely washed in schools and even when they are, they are usually never cleaned with antibacterial chemicals. However, sometimes germs can prove to be more fatal than their cleaners. Lab tests have shown that wrestling mats are breeding grounds for bacteria, and are often responsible for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant staph infections. In addition, any moisture lingering on the mat produces both mold and bacteria.

Therefore, the next time you reach for that water fountain, run for the playground, or prepare for a wrestling match, remember these horrors and act upon them. Bring a water bottle to school, always wash hands thoroughly after playing on a playground, and ask the coach to spray down the wrestling mats with an antibacterial disinfectant before every match. This could save yourself and others from getting sick.