Swab your ears? Survey says you’re not alone

updated 12:37 p.m. ET Feb. 3, 2009

YONKERS, N.Y. - The people at Consumer Reports magazine are at it again, telling us we're doing what we shouldn't.

For example, nearly 3 of every 4 Americans put cotton swabs inside their ears, risking a perforated eardrum, according to the magazine's telephone survey of 1,000 adults. Nearly 4 in 10 often eat raw cookie dough, which could carry salmonella.

Only half the respondents have a carbon monoxide detector at home and 61 percent don't have a rubber mat in the shower. The Yonkers, N.Y.-based magazine said Monday that 13 percent admitted sometimes drinking beer while using power tools.

The margin of error is 3 percentage points.

An earlier report on the survey found that 58 percent never wear a helmet while bicycling and 27 percent never use sunscreen.

Also in msnbc.com Health Sugary sodas linked to pancreas cancer Destined to inherit your mom's bod? Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age Ditch just one tempting food — and lose weight Lower your heart rate, prevent a heart attack Fact or fiction? Health care bill creates 150 new agencies

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