This is a very old (relatively) research sample of lanthanum hexaboride. If that chemical name means anything to you, then you likely belong to the 0.01% of the living human population that has been privileged enough to have experience in the realm of electron microscopy, or possibly some other advanced technology involvingthe precise blasting of electrons.
Well-scrubbed hands. University of Buffalo researchers in New York published a study December 27 in the journal Infection and Immunity that found that Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes can live on surfaces such as toys, books and cribs for weeks or even months.
Since posting my question I found this on Health A to Z: walking pneumonia is often contagious within a family. Someone with walking pneumonia can spread infection for as long as 20 days, and someone sleeping in the same room is at particular risk.. Then another site said what you stated, so I am confused. I don't want to put my family at risk if there is a chance of passing it on. Off to research some more.