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#1 Posted : 11 August 2004 12:40:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter MacDonald At a recent safety meeting there was a flyer handed out providing information on a young woman who died recently in Belgium when she was poisoned by drinking from a coke can that was contaminated by rats urine. The information then went on to warn of the dangers of drinking from bottles and cans that have not been washed, particularly with regard to Spain, where it was found that there was a serious problem. Now, the information was presented in a safety flash from the organisation hosting the safety meeting but the info on the flyer had the look of an e-mail that had been cut and pasted. It ended with the sentence " pass this on 2 everyone u care about" I know that there is indeed the potential for this contamination but my point is that the details were not backed up with any facts (names, locations, source etc.. Does anyone have any further info on this particular case and can verify it's true. The reason I'm asking is that in this particular forum we have been passed dubious info as fact. One being a warning not to flash your lights at any cars driving without theirs on as said car would follow you and attack you. (actually a theme from a film) and also an incorrect internet story about cats eyes being able to record your speed on the M8. Guess I'm just been sceptical but I would like to trust the info I'm getting. Peter
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#2 Posted : 11 August 2004 12:56:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sean Fraser Coke has long been a target for health scares - follow the link to see the numerous examples collected by Snopes.com: http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/cokelore.asp The rat story is also here - and you are right to question it, as it turns out to be false: http://www.snopes.com/toxins/raturine.htm
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#3 Posted : 11 August 2004 12:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter It is at least plausible that someone could contract the disease via a surface a rat had recently urinated on, particulary where their skin was broken (e.g. cold sore, or cutting your lip on the edge of the can!). Drinks are kept in cellars/ rats frequent cellars/ rats aren't fussy where the pee = possibility of leptospirosis via broken skin. The disease can be a real threat, potentially fatal.Early symptoms closely mimic those for influenza Incidentally, I wouldn't be eating the complimentary peanuts etc. on the bar either - not all patrons observe good hygiene practices!
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#4 Posted : 11 August 2004 13:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sean Fraser Actually, I've just realised a shocking thing - you discovered this at a supposed safety event! No wonder we have gathered a poor reputation as a profession, if so-called experts are falling for such c**p and perpetuating it. I check everything of this nature through the internet hoax sites and advise senders if they turn out to be false. On the other hand, I received one recently about ATMs which proved accurate and as a consequence I posted it up as a warning for others. Why do these scares seem to be so popular? Even when pointed out as false, people would rather believe the story than you! With so many willing participants, it makes a mockery of those who bemoan food scares.
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#5 Posted : 11 August 2004 13:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Garry With regards to the cats eyes story you may want to have a look at this website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3645359.stm Regards Garry
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#6 Posted : 11 August 2004 15:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By peter gotch Peter I reckon it IS an urban myth. See http://www.snopes.com/toxins/raturine.htm Regards, Peter
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#7 Posted : 12 August 2004 07:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman I saw the coke/rat urine one posted, in French, in a French plant. It named the hospital (Toulouse ?) where the "victim" worked and eventually died. It was "signed" by a doctor. Actually, if you are drinking directly from a bottle or can it's not a bad idea to give it a quick wipe or wash. After that you take your chances same as when you eat or drink anything you have not prepared yourself.
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#8 Posted : 12 August 2004 19:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stuart Nagle Cats eyes.... Just for information there was research going on into the feasibility of putting speed detection/monitoring/capure devices..speed cameras into cats eyes or cats eyes housing on roads. I don't know how far down the road this is (pun intended) but it will be worth keeping your eyes open for further developments!! Stuart
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