From Dave Taylor
Tom Dalyell wonders whether coins and notes, passed from hand to hand, can spread diseases such as SARS (14 June, p 55). Try this: grab a handful of change and hold it for 20 seconds or so; put down the change; smell your palm.
The metallic odour, which persists for several minutes, seems to suggest that something has been left behind – probably a suspension of metal oxides in grease. This greasy suspension, plus the bio-friendly environment of a trouser pocket, could well act as a medium for growing and spreading bacteria and other causes of disease.
Frenchay, Gloucestershire, UK
