Risky or Not?

A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

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ChatGPT image description: A cheerful hippie in a tie-dye shirt and headband steps out of a used clothing store, carrying a huge bundle of secondhand clothes. He smiles behind round sunglasses as he walks past the brick storefront, overflowing garments in his arms suggesting a successful thrift haul.

862. Wearing "New" Clothes Without Washing

December 12, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of wearing "new" (to you) clothes without washing first.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Robot or Not? - a podcast from The Incomparable
  • Ep. 604: "Unintentional Curator" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
  • Potential Skin Pathogens on Second Hand Clothes and the Effectiveness of Disinfection Methods - Semantic Scholar
  • "Public Health Implications of Retailer Resale of Returned Textile Clot" by Antonette M. A. Francis-Shearer
  • Contaminated clothing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers is a potential source of transmission - ScienceDirect
  • Second-Hand Clothe, a New Threat for Acquiring Parasitic Infection - PMC
December 12, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Clothing, Cross-contamination, Washing

430. Wearing Silver-Threaded Clothing

March 10, 2023 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from wearing silver-threaded clothing.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • The Molecular Effect of Wearing Silver-Threaded Clothing on the Human Skin | mSystems
  • Mack Weldon Underwear - Men's Underwear | Mack Weldon
  • Full article: Silver as an antimicrobial: facts and gaps in knowledge
  • 32 DEGREES Mens 3 Pack Active Mesh Boxer Brief
  • Shop Graphic Tees, Hoodies, Phone Cases, and More. | Cotton Bureau


March 10, 2023 /Don Schaffner
Silver, Clothing, Antimicrobial, Nanoparticles
frozen-pants-top.jpg

20: Freezing Your Jeans

July 27, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of freezing your jeans instead of washing.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • (1) Stuart Khan on Twitter: ““What Sydney’s new water restrictions mean for you” (I don’t know about that “freeze your jeans” thing, -does anyone actually do that? There may be some more practical suggestions…). https://t.co/zmNHvkQxKO” / Twitter

  • Sydney water restrictions: How you can help during the NSW drought

  • Levi’s Denim Care Tips - Hacks for Washing Your Jeans

  • Microbial Odor Profile of Polyester and Cotton Clothes after a Fitness Session | Applied and Environmental Microbiology

July 27, 2020 /Don Schaffner
Freezing, Clothing, Blue Jeans

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