Tetanus is a bacteria that lives in soil. It’s only associated with rust because rust gives more surface area to allow dirt to accumulate on which bacteria can survive, and because iron objects are often sharp enough to pierce the skin. If you were cut with a gleaming razer that had just had soil smeared on it you’d have a good chance of contracting tetanus!
Licking a rusty bar seems like it would be a good way to abrade your tongue and contract tetanus.
Tetanus is a bacteria that lives in soil. It’s only associated with rust because rust gives more surface area to allow dirt to accumulate on which bacteria can survive, and because iron objects are often sharp enough to pierce the skin. If you were cut with a gleaming razer that had just had soil smeared on it you’d have a good chance of contracting tetanus!
Does that mean I can get tetanus by walking around barefoot outside?
If your feet get cut, sure. This is why tetanus vaccine is given as post-exposure prophylaxis in many places if you get a wound that breaks the skin.
So, I don’t know where this iron bar is coming from.