Henry Hurowitz did what many travelers have done - he fell asleep during his flight.
But when this South Florida teen woke up with his head on the tray table he realized he had a rash on his face.
“After that, I started researching the cleanliness of airplane tray tables and found that they are actually eight times dirtier than a toilet flush button,” Hurowitz told WSFL-TV.
That news sparked him – along with friends from his Junior Achievement of South Florida club – to create Germ Genie, a company that sells products designed to combat germs.
The company, run by rising seniors from NSU University School in Davie, researched solutions to the spread of germs on travel hotspots, then created products for staying germ-free on the go. Available items include packages containing airplane table tray placemats, a headrest cover, non-latex gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, KN95 face masks, a first aid kit, shoe covers and a package of toilet seat covers.
The company also gives back: it donates 10 percent to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and another 10 percent to Junior Achievement of South Florida “so that young entrepreneurs can start other socially responsible businesses that help the community,” according to its website.
Visit germgenie.com.