Phones dirtier than toilet seats? Surprising bacteria findings
Smartphones are devices that accompany us at every step, and many of us can't imagine life without them. However, many people are unaware that the screens of these devices are breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
In recent years, scientists have conducted numerous studies focused on smartphones and the number of bacteria and viruses on them. IFL Science highlighted the findings of one such analysis, the results of which were published in the journal "Scientific Reports".
During the research, a team of scientists examined the phones of 26 medical sector employees. It turned out that these devices harboured about 11,160 organisms, including 5,714 bacteria, 675 fungi, 93 protists, 228 viruses, and 4,453 bacteriophages. In medical facilities, where contact with dangerous microorganisms is greater, phones may pose an even higher risk. However, phones of mechanics, businesspeople, or servers also hide various invisible threats.
These observations confirm previous studies. For example, in 2012, researchers from the University of Arizona found that phones could be more contaminated than toilet seats. Researchers from the University of Michigan point out that we contribute to this situation ourselves, for instance, by taking phones to the bathroom. When flushing the toilet, pathogens such as E. coli bacteria, hepatitis A virus, streptococci, and Salmonella are released into the atmosphere.
What bacteria are found on smartphones?
According to the analysis by IFL Science, the most commonly found bacteria on phones are the aforementioned E. coli bacteria, staphylococci, actinomycetes, and enterococci. It's worth keeping this in mind, especially considering that, on average, we encounter a phone screen 2,617 times a day, and more intensive users – even 5,427 times.
To reduce the risk of contact with harmful microorganisms, we should regularly clean our phones using microfiber cloths, electronic cleaning fluids, or antibacterial wipes.
