Several studies have shown significant bacterial growth on mobile phones. A 2017 study of high school students’ phones found over 17,000 bacterial gene copies per phone—the more gene copies, the greater potential for faster bacteria growth. Researchers at the University of Arizona found that cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, including E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, staph, and even gonorrhea. Given that Americans check their phones an average of 205 times a day, that’s a lot of exposure.
“People’s phones are out when urinating and defecating, exposing the phones to bacteria,” says Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center. “Then put it into a pocket or purse that is dark, allowing bacteria to grow.”
Common germs on your phone
Since phones are with us nearly 24/7, they’re exposed to bacteria from multiple sources, says Kim Shumate, director of infection prevention at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Common bacteria and viruses found on phones include E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, the flu, and rhinovirus (the common cold).
Potential points of contact include water splashes from sinks or toilets, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and our own unclean hands.
“It’s always very hard to pinpoint the exact source where you got the bacteria or virus,” Shumate tells Fortune.
Some pathogens can live on phones for up to five months, though most viruses like norovirus and rhinovirus survive about a week.
How to disinfect your phone
Experts recommend cleaning your phone at least once a day. Here’s how:
- Use wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol, followed by a microfiber cloth.
- Use cleaning products that say they kill viruses like norovirus or flu.
- Check product labels—some require several minutes of contact to be effective.
- Consider a UV-disinfecting box.
Wash your hands
Even with regular phone cleaning, hand hygiene is the best defense. “It’s not necessarily your phone per se, it’s what you do with your hand after touching your phone,” Shumate says.
According to the CDC, handwashing reduces diarrhea cases by 23%–40% and respiratory illnesses by 16%–21%. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Read the full article here.
