How dirty is your phone? New study shows harmful bacteria from toilets found lurking on devices - The Economic Times

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For many people, the first activity of the day circles around their smartphone. People have become so habitual to their phones that it's in their hand from the moment they wake up till the time they go to bed.

We use phones while eating, using public transits and even during our toilet breaks. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that our smartphones are dirtier than you can imagine as many harmful bugs thrive on the display screens.

According to a new study by SellCell that provides shocking details, there are many harmful bacteria that live on our smartphones which are commonly found in human and animal faecal matter.

The lab search throws light on the common types of bacteria and the potential risks associated with them. The researchers conducted two sterile bacterial collection swabs on mobile phone screens of ten randomly selected individuals.

Multiple swabs were used for each screen to ensure that an accurate sample of bacteria was collected. The swabs collected from the phones were then placed into a developing fluid and sent to a bacterial analysis laboratory.
The study found bacteria P. aeruginosa, which is commonly found in cockroach faeces, on 50 per cent of smartphone screens. Whereas 100 per cent screens contained E. coli and faecal streptococci, which is found in human and animal excreta.

List of bacteria that were found on the mobile phone screens during the study. (Photo: Sellcell)

"Bacillus cereus, responsible for intense food poisoning, was found on 100% of phone screens," the study said.

Pneumonia causing bacteria, S. aureus, was also found on "100 per cent pf phone screens" that were sampled for the study.

Most of us are guilty of taking our phones inside the toilet and mindlessly scrolling through social media while we finish the business. However, this mindless activity introduces the device to E. coli (Esherichia coli) and Faecal streptococci and Enterococci bacteria strains which land on our phones when we flush the toilet as they become airborne. "We then carry them with us, on our phone screens, out of the toilet and into the rest of our homes, where they could even be responsible for spreading diseases," the research added.

Ailments associated with E.coli contamination include diarrhoea, vomiting and even urinary tract infections. However, the study highlights that the majority of E.coli's variants are harmless.

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The research found a shocking number of different bacteria living on the phone screens with many awful side effects.

How Do We Keep Your Phone Bacteria Clean
The research found a shocking number of different bacteria living on the phone screens with many awful side effects. While study does alarm us and is a reason of concern, it's unlikely that this can cause serious damage. However, it's always suggested to take necessary precautions. "Ultimately, what we've learned from this research is that it really is important to keep on top of cleaning and sanitising our smartphones – especially if we're one of the many that are guilty of taking their iPhone on a quick expedition to the bathroom! This can be done easily and quickly, using disinfectant wipes," the study suggested.

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How dirty is your phone? New study shows harmful bacteria from toilets found lurking on devices - The Economic Times
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