The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-07-09
WHY IS A DOOR KNOB

Bacteriologist in an agriculture experiment station writes:
 We were interested in your com ments concerning contamination of bus handles, stair rails, starps for standees, doorknobs etc. We have undertaken to investigate the types or organisms contaminating such surfaces.
 Some of your statements are true so far as our data are concerned and others of your statements may be open to some question.
 As you probably know, there are ways in which doorknobs and sim liar surfaces may De sterilized with standard disinfectantS, and we be- lieve that in future steps will be taken to see that such surfaces are regularly and properly sterilized. We hope our findings in this investiga- ton will give us definite informa- ton on the number and types of or. 1 ganisms and so afford some indica- ton of the kind of disinfectant to use.
 (Signed-) | 0uEkl GCSLo O1 Sul 1dCCO 4lQ44NACQ by many people daily have been made innumerable times and as nearly as I can learn the results have been of no special value in de- termining the choice of an ontisep- tic or disinfectant for such contam- mated surfaces. After all, who cares how badly contaminated surface may be If he doesn't have to touch the Sur- face? Doorknobs may be necessary in some instances, but in many in- stances they should be prohibited by sanitary Ordinance-for instance on doors of restrooms or lavatorieS. For the same reason handles should be prohibited on faucets in lavator- ies, foot pedals or other arrange ment to work the faucets without touching them.
 Personally, if I had choice of antiseptics or disinfectants for any surface likely to be contaminated, or for the mouthpiece of telephone (though wouldn't bother to "dis- infect" or "sterlize" telephone no matter who used 1t besides myself) I'd choose plain soap and water. l believe soap and water washing of any such surface makes it perfect ly safe, practically sterile, and do not believe any chemical antiseptoc or disinfectant can serve the pur- pose any better than soap and wa l te does.
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Alcoholics Anonymous It Is my sincere desire to over- come this craving before it com- pletely ruins my life. Have noticed allusions in your column, to some local group of Alcoholics Anony- mous"-can you inform me how might get in touch with such group? (B. R. F)
 Answer-Oddly enough I find I can't. I had letters from members of such groups and some literature on file, but so determined are they to remain anonymous that I don't know, after all, where you can write for information. or where you can get in touch with 8 group. Send ten cents and stamped envelope bearing your address, for booklet "Dipsomania" which may be of some help to you in overcoming the craving.
 Natural Breathing
 AS public school music super visor I have always taught or en- couraged belly breathing or dia- phragm breathing in accordance with your instructions. I discourage the raising and lowering of chest and shoulders and show the child ren how the diaphragm pushes out against the belt when inhaling and expels the air by contracting after wards. Apparently most children &C., quire the artificial chest breathing habit before the fourth grade. don't think music masters are re- sponsible. Many music teachers l know teach the method you describe in your excellent pamphlet. (G. L.)
 Answer-Thank you. N a tural breathing is beneficial for man, woman and child. Especially for singers, athletes, some invalids, such as victims of asthma, emphysema, brcnchiectasis, circulatory defici- ency. some liver and digestive difn-