Spitting

[Clare]

In case people didn't know - spitting is actually a penal offence.  Thames Valley Police now have "spit kits" which mean offenders can be identified from samples of saliva and if necessary charged with violent conduct.  It seems to be a "trendy" thing to do but is extremely anti-social and unhygienic - no wonder bugs and viruses travel so fast among us !  I appeal particularly to the Berkhamsted School boy who catches the 7.59 in the mornings - please stop spitting at fellow commuters feet - apart from being totally unnecessary and disgusting, if you really can't help it (perhaps your smoking habit brings it on) there is a wide open field behind you !

[Luc]

I can understand your slight concern for youths & such spitting their saliva on the floor and it is understandable (I get irritated by people doing it also!) but being fined/arrested for such a simple action is completely over the top! Unless someone as yourself licked the spit off the concrete pavement, I seriously do not understand how viruses/bacteria can spread like how you've described. Being a part of the current youth in Cheddington, I believe its more of a sign of respect rather than 'trendy' as you so stated, to spit on the floor.

Personally, I just think its ridiculous being penalized for a small amount of human saliva landing on our public pavements. But thanks for posting the thread, it definitely got me interested.

Luc.

[Wendy]

Am assuming your post is a joke Luc, but just in case it isn't, Clare is quite right. Airborne viruses and bacteria are spread when another person breaths in airborne droplets of saliva or sputum when a person coughs or sneezes or spits.
These range from the common cold cold through to the SARS and Avian flu viruses. They also include flu, hepatitis  measles, mumps, chicken pox, pneumonia, meningitis, TB etc etc etc.

Think I shall give the Station a miss 

Wendy

[GaryS]

Personally, I just think its ridiculous being penalized for a small amount of human saliva landing on our public pavements.

Presumably you think it's okay to p**s in the street too, Luc? After all, it's just a bit of human urine....

Cheers
Gary