Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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Antibacterial Money

Hygienic Hamiltons and Fresh Franklins
  (+6, -4)
(+6, -4)
  [vote for,
against]

Let's face it: money is disgusting. It's been practically everywhere, and it's picked up millions of germs on the way. So why not include a long-lasting antibacterial agent in each bill? The mint is coming out with more advanced features for bills all the time, so why can't the next one focus on killing bacteria and germs?

I'm not saying we should be able to wash our faces with Washingtons. I'd just enjoy not having to wash my hands whenever I touch money.

adjective, Sep 04 2007

Same idea at whynot.net http://www.whynot.net/ideas/1686
[jutta, Sep 05 2007]

Silver as Antibacterial? http://www.dartmout...xmetal/TXQAag.shtml
And other properties [csea, Sep 05 2007]

They make the paper http://www.domtar.c...r_Antimicrobial.pdf
[kbecker, Sep 06 2007]

[link]






       I'd wager it would stink worse than old fashioned money does.
normzone, Sep 05 2007
  

       I think I might find myself washing my hands anyways, to get rid of the "long lasting anti-bacterial agent" which doesn't sound too safe to keep on my skin for a long period of time. I'd be willing to bun this as long as the bills had passive protection. For example nano-designed paper that prohibits bacteria from growing.
ixnaum, Sep 05 2007
  

       Jut wash your hands afterwards like everyone else.
DrCurry, Sep 05 2007
  

       Unless your immune system is broken for other reasons, I think this fear is overblown. Germs like moisture; many don't last that long, or at least don't multiply, outside their host environments.
jutta, Sep 05 2007
  

       I seem to recall that silver has certain antibacterial properties. [link] Possibly a good reason to keep coins (even if only silver plated) along with one's folding money.
csea, Sep 05 2007
  

       For some reason, I had been thinking that U.S. paper money already contained some form of germ resistance. (I'm dimly recalling a National Geographic article in the 1960s?) I have searched high and low for any info on this, without success.
csea, Sep 05 2007
  

       Great, another money laundering idea.
phundug, Sep 05 2007
  

       "Washington's."
theleopard, Sep 05 2007
  

       Having a few silver dollars in your pocket should take care of most bacteria. No use against viruses, though. Copper is fine, too, it will even kill the molds for you. Not meeting people would rid you of far greater infection riscs, though. At the very least never touch them and try to stand out of the way when they talk into your direction.
loonquawl, Sep 05 2007
  

       More sterilization freaks trying to make us all into bubble-boys. A little invisible bacterial residue from the last guy never bothered me one bit.
globaltourniquet, Sep 05 2007
  

       Honey inhibits growth of mold and bacteria. Just keep a small jar of honey in your pocket and dip all bills that look suspicious. That way you are safe and the person whom you give the money to will also appreciate your foresight.
kbecker, Sep 06 2007
  

       Not that I use cash much, over here (New Zealand) the bills are made from funny plasticky stuff (complete with a see-through window) that, among not ripping or creasing (at least, not easily) is designed (AFAIK) to reduce/eliminate bacteria etc. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - I don't pay much attention to cash)
neutrinos_shadow, Sep 06 2007
  

       I've heard that a large percentage of our US money has cocaine all over it from people rolling it up and using it as a straw.
xandram, Sep 06 2007
  
      
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