Spit and Tuberculosis
In the late 1800s, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in seven people. The Ladies’ Health Protective Association (LHPA) campaigned to combat the disease, believing spit-filled sidewalks spread the bacteria. In 1896, they succeeded in pushing New York City to ban public spitting.
Enforcing the Law
At first, signs discouraged spitting, but in 1909, health officers began arresting violators, rounding up hundreds on subway platforms and fining them up to two dollars. Pamphlets were also distributed, teaching people the dangers of saliva-borne diseases.
Health Concerns and Hygiene
While experts now know that tuberculosis spreads primarily through airborne droplets, the spitting ban may have reduced the transmission of other illnesses like the flu, which spreads through both aerosols and surface contact. The campaign also raised awareness of public hygiene.
The anti-spitting ordinance spread to 150 cities across the U.S., bringing attention to sanitation and public health.
In the late 1800s, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in seven people. The Ladies’ Health Protective Association (LHPA) campaigned to combat the disease, believing spit-filled sidewalks spread the bacteria. In 1896, they succeeded in pushing New… pic.twitter.com/6gzZKCXw5z
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