Houses of worship are no refuge from germs. Holy hazards...

That chapel, church or synagogue may look safe – but holy hazards may be lurking. 

Here are some sacred spots worshipers need to consider, as they could be crawling with germs:

• Contaminated holy water. Researchers tested samples of holy water from 39 churches and shrines and you don’t want to know what they found. If you want to anoint yourself with holy water, dip only a fingertip, then touch only your forehead. Avoid the lip and eye area.

• Communal communion chalices. When offering wine using a communal chalice, officiants typically wipe the rim with a cloth before serving the next person – but this doesn’t eliminate what’s on there. 

• Shared yarmulkes. Most synagogues have a basket of the traditional head coverings for men who forget to bring their own. But just as schoolchildren are at risk for catching head lice when they share hats, there is a chance of getting lice by wearing a yarmulke from the communal basket. Bring your own yarmulke!