Hey there, it's time to talk about a topic that might make you squirm a bit - the dirty truth about your phone and its potential role in spreading germs. Your phone, your trusted companion, could be a microbial hotspot!
We all know our phones are an extension of ourselves. We take them everywhere, from our beds to the bathroom, and for many, it's the first thing we touch in the morning. With over 90% of the world owning or using a mobile phone, it's safe to say they're an essential part of our lives. But here's where it gets controversial: while we worry about phone-related health concerns like distracted driving or radiofrequency exposure, the microbial infection risk posed by our phones often flies under the radar.
A 2019 survey revealed that most people in the UK use their phones on the toilet. And it's no surprise that studies have found our phones to be dirtier than toilet seats! We let our kids play with them, we eat with them, and we place them on various surfaces, transferring microbes and food deposits in the process. Imagine touching your phone hundreds or even thousands of times a day and then not washing your hands afterward - yikes!
Our hands are a known route for acquiring infections, and so are the phones we touch. Numerous studies have shown that mobile phones can be contaminated with a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria. From E. coli, which causes diarrhea and originates from human feces, to Staphylococcus, which can infect the skin, and Actinobacteria, which can lead to tuberculosis and diphtheria, the list goes on. Research has also revealed that many of these pathogens are antibiotic-resistant, which is a cause for concern as they can cause life-threatening infections.
And it's not just bacteria we need to worry about. Phones can also harbor and transmit viruses, some of which can survive on hard plastic surfaces for up to a week. Think about the common cold virus, COVID-19, rotavirus, influenza, and norovirus - all of these can persist on your phone's surface, ready to infect.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the role mobile phones play in spreading infection, especially in places like hospitals, healthcare settings, and schools. They've even introduced guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting phones during the COVID pandemic, highlighting their potential as reservoirs of infection.
So, what can we do? It's time to start cleaning your phone regularly. The US Federal Communications Commission recommends daily sanitation, especially during an active pandemic like COVID-19, where the virus can survive on hard plastic surfaces for several days. Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol to disinfect your phone's casing and touchscreen daily. Be cautious not to spray sanitizers directly onto the phone, keep liquids away from connection points, and absolutely avoid bleach or abrasive cleaners. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning your phone.
Consider your phone-handling habits too. Keep your phone in your pocket or bag when you're out and about, and use disposable paper lists instead of constantly consulting your phone. Touch your phone with clean hands, washed with soap and water or disinfected with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid sharing your phone if you have an infection, and sanitize it if children play with it. Get into the habit of putting your phone away when not in use and then sanitizing or washing your hands. Occasionally, sanitize your phone charger too.
And this is the part most people miss: our phones are a reflection of our personal hygiene. By taking care of our phone hygiene, we're not only protecting ourselves but also those around us. So, let's make a conscious effort to keep our phones clean and break the chain of microbial transmission.
What do you think? Are you ready to step up your phone hygiene game? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
