WASHINGTON - Earlier, we showed you how much bacteria we found on surfaces on Metro rail trains. Now, we're testing the air we breathe while riding the rails.

Some of the bacteria growing inside the Metro stations comes from people's respiratory tracts. According to Aerobiology Laboratory Director Suzanne Blevins, "You may have an increased potential for exchange of respiratory infections."

That means the air could be exposing you to viruses like H1N1.

Aerobiology Labs in Dulles, Virginia tested metro stations and trains. Blevins says the results show often Metro's current disinfecting program of daily cleaning of 'hand touch surfaces' in stations and weekly in trains cars appears to be working but suggests, "They need to look in the non-obvious places and clean better."

For example, a bench had a higher bacteria load than the grout on the floor a few feet away. A small amount of staph bacteria that could make you sick was on an ATM at Union Station.

While Metro officials say the bacteria we found in the air was well below proposed OSHA levels that respiratory bacteria, it showed up in the air just about everywhere.

"It kinda freaks me out a little bit, it's kinda nasty," said Jaslynn Giles, a Metro rider.

Metro rider Sharon Rogan added, "I think it's gross. I whipped out some hand sanitizer while you were talking to her."

Metro officials acknowledge when it comes to the air, there's only so much anyone can do.

"Best thing you can do is ventilation and we are pretty ventilated," said Joan Lelacheur, Metro Deputy Chief of Environmental Management and Industrial Hygiene.

So while they work to keep the system clean, staying healthy may fall on you. Cover your cough and sneeze, wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer and stay home if you're sick.

When asked about cleaning procedures for benches, Metro officials acknowledged they are not disinfected like hand rails, but tell us after our results they are taking a closer look at how to clean them.

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