It’s not shocking that even when people go to the toilet in our technologically obsessed society they use their phones. A 2016 study found that more than 80% of Africans use their phone in the toilet and Sony found that the figure for Americans was close to 75%. Although this might look clever, a GP says that, if you take your device with you wherever you go, you are really at risk for your health.
There are water and air particles contained on the telephone’s little plunge, and phone covers and cases are usually rubber, a warm and convenient harbour for bacteria. Such bacteria include salmonella, E. coli, shigella that can make you extremely sick. You can also spread viruses like gastrointestinal and staples, which can be transmitted easily from solid surfaces, such as your phone.
DO NOT TAKE YOUR PHONE TO THE TOILET
Even if you don’t use the phone in the toilet, you still keep it while in and out of the bathroom, so it’s enough to put bacteria on your phone, if you haven’t been washing your hands or done so after exiting the bathroom.
Because many people also use their phone when they eat and many infections are transmitted through their mouth, this also increases the risk of becoming ill from bacteria on your phone.
So what can you do to mitigate this risk of infection propagation and illness?
First and foremost, don’t take the phone into the bathroom and try not to do it while you eat.
- It’s also a good idea to disinfect your phone on a regular basis particularly when you used it in the bathroom.
- You can buy specific sprays for clean touchscreens and a protector screen can help.
- Wash your hands regularly, particularly when you leave the bathroom or touch a smartphone.