Buzz
If people were asked to name one device they couldn't live without daily, the most common answer might be their smartphone. From browsing the internet to answering work emails, chatting with friends, and more, smartphones enable us to do many tasks with just a few taps.
Smartphones we use daily are dirtier than toilet seats.However, few know that the smartphones we use daily are much dirtier than we think. Surely, many of us have the habit of using our phones while using the restroom, and this habit is extremely dangerous. It could make your phone dirtier than the toilet bowl you're using - as a recent study has found.
According to a study by NordVPN, out of 10 people, 6, especially young individuals, bring their phones to the restroom as they continue their work or entertainment activities. 61.6% of participants admitted to checking their social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram while sitting on the toilet.
Although this habit may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for your health.Research also reveals that while 33.9% of those surveyed say they update current affairs using their smartphones in the restroom, 24.5% say they use that time to text or even call their loved ones.
Although this habit may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for your health. Dr. Hugh Hayden, an infection control expert, emphasized in a conversation with Yahoo Life UK, that smartphones can harbor 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats. In particular, touchscreens are considered the 'mosquitoes of the digital age' due to their ability to carry infectious diseases.
Cross-infection risk is high when individuals touch shared surfaces.Cross-infection risk is high when individuals touch shared surfaces and then use their smartphones without proper sanitation. Bacteria and pathogens on toilet seats can easily transfer to phone surfaces, becoming a source of infection.
These harmful bacteria can then enter the body through contact with the mouth, eyes, or nose. Dr. Hayden noted: “When we touch shared surfaces and then use our smartphone screens, there is a risk of cross-infection, with the phone itself becoming a source of infection.”
According to a report by Yahoo Like UK, bacteria can survive on mobile phone screens for up to 28 days, making them potential breeding grounds for pathogens. The report further states that based on previous research, some of the most common pathogens found on mobile phones are Staphylococcus. These pathogens can cause various health complications, from urinary tract infections to respiratory and skin infections.
To reduce the risk of infection, always clean your phone by using a damp cloth or disinfectant.Therefore, using a smartphone in the restroom can lead to serious health consequences, and you should prioritize hygiene over entertainment in the restroom. Bacteria and pathogens can survive on the phone screen and enter the body through contact with the mouth, eyes, or nose, causing many serious health issues.
To reduce the risk of infection, always clean your phone by using a damp cloth or appropriate antibacterial disinfectant. Additionally, avoid bringing your phone into the restroom and develop a habit of using your phone actively to avoid health issues caused by the very device you carry daily.
- Explore more articles in the Discovery section
