Are Mobile Phones Really 10 Times Dirtier Than Toilet Seats?
Mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them at work, during commutes, at meals, and even in the bathroom. But, have you ever considered just how dirty your phone might be? Research suggests that mobile phones can carry far more bacteria than we might expect, and in some cases, they might even be dirtier than toilet seats. Let’s dive into this surprising claim.
Evidence of Bacteria on Phones
Mobile phones are often exposed to a wide variety of bacteria. A recent study analyzed 17 mobile phones from both male and female secondary school students and found over 17,000 bacterial gene copies on them. Considering that phones are constantly handled and rarely cleaned, it’s no surprise they’re teeming with bacteria.
But why is this such a concern? We already have bacteria living on our skin—does it really matter if some of it ends up on our phones?
The Skin Microbiome
Our skin hosts over 1,000 species of bacteria, many of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. For example, Staphylococcus epidermidis helps preserve the outer skin barrier, while Propionibacterium acnes can cause acne when it grows out of control. When we use our phones, bacteria can transfer from our hands to the screen, which we then bring back to our skin.
The question is: Are all the bacteria on phones dangerous?
Are Phones Dirtier Than Toilet Seats?
According to multiple studies, mobile phones often carry more bacteria than a toilet seat. Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor at the University of Arizona, stated that mobile phones are 10 times dirtier than toilet seats. This might sound surprising, but the reasoning is simple. We frequently touch our phones throughout the day, but most of us rarely clean them. On the other hand, toilet seats, while gross, are often cleaned and disinfected regularly.
A review of 56 papers on bacteria found common pathogens like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase Negative Staphylococci, and Salmonella species on mobile phones. Some of these bacteria are associated with illnesses, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
- E. coli: This fecal bacteria is a common contaminant found on phones, suggesting that some amount of fecal matter could transfer to your phone, especially when you take your phone to the bathroom.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Though typically harmless, it can cause skin infections or more serious issues like pneumonia if it enters the body.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis: A naturally occurring skin bacterium that can become pathogenic under the right conditions.
- Salmonella: Found on phones, this bacteria is a major cause of food poisoning.
Are Phones the Only Culprits?
Now that we know how dirty phones can be, we might wonder if there’s anything else dirtier than them. Money, for instance, passes through many hands and is rarely cleaned. Studies have found that currency notes, especially $1 bills, are full of bacteria, fungi, and even traces of drugs like cocaine, heroin, and THC.
Research has found traces of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and E. coli on money, proving that it, too, is a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, some studies show that money might even be as contaminated, if not more so, than mobile phones.
What Does This Mean for Our Health?
So, why should we care about all this bacterial exposure? Understanding which surfaces are the dirtiest helps us identify where to focus our cleaning efforts to prevent sickness. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where phones used by doctors and nurses could carry germs from one patient to another. During the COVID-19 pandemic, phone sanitization became even more critical to prevent the spread of the virus.
Moreover, this knowledge is valuable to epidemiologists studying how diseases spread. It also highlights the growing concern over antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been found on mobile phones.
How to Keep Phones Clean
Though it may be impossible to completely eliminate all bacteria from your phone, you can take some steps to minimize the risk. Here are a few tips:
- Wipe it down regularly: Use a microfiber cloth or alcohol-based wipes to clean your phone daily.
- Avoid using phones in the bathroom: As tempting as it may be, avoid taking your phone to the toilet. If you must, make sure to clean it afterward.
- Use a phone case: A case can help protect the phone’s surface from direct contact with bacteria.
- Wash your hands frequently: Regular handwashing helps reduce the number of germs transferred to your phone.
Conclusion
While mobile phones are undoubtedly dirty, it’s clear that many surfaces we interact with daily are contaminated in various ways. Phones, being constantly handled and rarely cleaned, tend to accumulate more bacteria than toilet seats. The key takeaway is that regular cleaning and good hygiene habits are essential in reducing the bacterial load on our phones. However, it’s important to remember that bacteria are everywhere, and while we can’t avoid them entirely, we can take steps to minimize their spread. So, next time you scroll through Instagram while eating, consider how often you clean your phone—and maybe give it a wipe down!
