Researchers have determined that smartphones harbour six times more microbes than toilet seats, with over 50% of the gadgets tested found to be contaminated with microbes harmful to human health.
In a study that involved taking swabs from toilet seats and smartphones for laboratory analysis, it was revealed that 52% of the phone surfaces were heavily contaminated. One smartphone exhibited microbial pollution levels sixfold that of a toilet seat.
A survey conducted by specialists revealed that 60% of participants use their phones in the bathroom, and 15% infrequently wash their hands thereafter. Moreover, 75% of parents observed their young children placing smartphones in their mouths.
The scientists leading the research urged the public to wash their hands no fewer than five times a day, especially after using the restroom. They also recommended the regular cleaning of smartphones with antibacterial wipes to curb the spread of microbes.
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