England – A study conducted by First Washroom Hygiene revealed a “high level” of biological contamination on smartphones as a result of their use in the bathroom.
The results were based on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swab tests and an ATP bioluminescence reader, which detects levels of biological life invisible to the human eye.
Detailed surface samples were taken from 50 smartphones.
An analysis of the results found that more than half of the phones (52%) were “heavily contaminated” with microbes.
The researchers conducted a survey that included more than 2,000 participants to find out the mobile phone usage habits of the general public.
One in four adults admitted that they never clean their smartphones. Also, 59% of participants said that they use their phones while in the bathroom.
15% of individuals admitted to not washing their hands every time they use the toilet, which means they may transfer bacteria to their smartphones, even if they do not use them in the bathroom itself.
Men were 10% more likely than women to admit to taking their devices with them to the bathroom, and 24% of them did so every time.
Commenting on the findings, Jamie Woodhall, Director of Technology Innovations at Primary Washroom Hygiene, said: “Our phones are a common repository of potentially harmful pathogens, and we know people are vulnerable to using them in the bathroom. This is particularly worrying when we consider that approximately 80% of all infections are transmitted through touch. “So when people use their phones and hold them near their mouths while making calls, they are potentially increasing the risk of contracting the disease.”
He advised: “Hand hygiene is very important. Think about how many times you touch your phone every day. Every time you do this, you are potentially collecting and spreading microbial activity. “Washing hands regularly is one of the most powerful steps people can take to help prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.”
Source: Express
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2024-04-12 01:01:56