We cannot escape our reliance on smartphones, with the average American spending around 5 hours and 24 minutes a day using their device. Over this time period, it is thought that the user will check their device around 96 times which means there is plenty of opportunity for dirt, debris, and bacteria to be transferred from our surroundings to our screens. Previous research from the University of Arizona found there to be 10 x more bacteria on a phone screen than on a toilet seat.
Some of the common bacteria found on smartphones include:
- Staphylococcus
- MRSA
- e. coli
Another study found smartphones to carry high levels of allergens such as pet dander, endotoxins, and β-D glucans. These can trigger allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups, especially in those with compromised immune systems. Not only can the bacteria and allergens impact the inside of our bodies when they enter our systems, but the bacteria also can block our pores when we hold phones to our faces and cause acne outbreaks.
Our client, mybiosource.com, is a leading supplier of biological reagents. They have a wealth of knowledge regarding the healthcare industry and a spokesperson would like to offer a comment on the potential global health risk posed by smartphones:
“More research is starting to focus on the potential risks our smartphones pose to us in terms of microbial transmission, which could have a part to play in the spread of infections in pandemics and epidemics. Not all of this bacteria will make you sick, but it could pass on to someone else who has a weaker immune system than you.”
mybiosource.com offers this advice:
“Recent research found approximately 3 out of 4 Americans take their phone to the bathroom, we would recommend stopping this practice immediately. Most people do not regularly clean their phone screens, so a few trips to the bathroom a day could dramatically increase the number of bacteria on your phone, especially in a public or shared bathroom.”
“To properly clean your phone, we would recommend using an anti-bacterial wipe such as Lysol or Clorox. Any product with 70% isopropyl alcohol will act as a good disinfectant, simply spray some on a microfiber cloth and wipe down your phone. Make sure to remove the case and clean it as well.”
