The laboratory investigates which parasites live on a smartphone: the image is scarier than on a trash can or a toilet seat

The results are staggering: Our smart devices are dirtier than the surfaces many people touch on a daily basis, such as a fuel gun at a gas station, a trash can lid or a lift button, according to the press release.

So how do you protect yourself from bacteria and take proper care of smart hygiene?

“The smartphone screen is the dirtiest of all the surfaces we studied. Even bacteria that pose a threat to human health can accumulate on the screen, and if the immune system is weakened and hygiene is not observed, there is the risk of contracting an infection, because smart people are the daily companions of our lives. ”said Dr. Renata Gudiukaitė, a researcher at the Vilnius University Center for Natural Sciences, who carried out the first research in the country“ Intelligent Hygiene ”.

Despite the troubling results, keeping smart is easy. It is important to follow some practical tips to ensure the hygiene of smart devices without damaging the devices and protecting yourself.

“Clean and constantly maintained smart devices last longer and need to be replaced less frequently. This is important because it contributes to the preservation of a sustainable environment,” said Agnė Adomaitytė, smart device expert at the telecommunications company Bitė Lietuva, who started the surface study.

Dirty than the lid of the trash can?

The study of the cleaning of smart devices was carried out in the largest cities of the country: Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. Smart devices for human use have been studied.

To evaluate and compare the cleanliness of different devices, about 20 samples were taken from various other surfaces that people often touch, as well as the surfaces of objects: a bank card, a computer mouse, and a charger. telephone.

“In terms of the amount of bacteria on the surface, the smartphone was the dirtiest surface. Behind the second public transport waiting bench, it is dirty more than 2 times. One of the reasons for dirt on phones is the heat they emit. Bacteria generally multiply better in a warm environment, so we create even better conditions for their spread by holding the device in your hands or pocket for a long time. Some bacteria are really harmless to us, but they can also pose a health risk, ”explained a researcher from Vilnius University.

The surface of the smart was probably the dirtiest, also due to the fact that due to the pandemic, most people frequently touch the surfaces, which are often disinfected. And a smartphone is a personal thing that is often not considered “dirty”, so you don’t care about its hygiene.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were also found

After taking samples from smart devices and other surfaces, the bacteria were inoculated into the culture medium and after 48 h. the abundance of cultured bacteria is evaluated. Several developed bacterial cultures were identified. With the exception of the genetic information of the selected bacterium, a sequencing study of this gene was carried out, which makes it possible to determine the dependence of the tested microorganism on a certain genus.

Revealed Analysis Acinetobacter bacteria of the genus that can be resistant to many antibiotics.

“These bacteria can survive for quite a long time in a variety of settings, even in hospitals. Infections caused by them, such as those of the lungs or urinary tract, are often difficult to cure. One of the main ways to protect oneself against this bacterium is the proper cleaning of the hands, surfaces that are touched frequently ”, assured Dr. R. Gudiukaitė.

Due to their high resistance even to the latest generation of antibiotics, bacteria of this genus have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the “critical” and most dangerous category, and scientists and the pharmaceutical industry are looking new ways to fight these bacteria.

It was also found Enterobacter bacteria of the genus that can be found in all parts of the environment. It is less dangerous because it is likely to affect only people with weakened bodies. The identified bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas rarely cause infections in healthy people.

However, Pseudomonas Y Enterobacter There are also species among bacteria that, like Acinetobacter It may have acquired resistance to antibiotics, spread in a hospital setting, and one of those sources of bacteria may simply be a smartphone.

Caring for smart hygiene is easier than you think

Keeping your smart devices clean is easier than usual, but it is a good idea to follow certain tips and clean your devices at least once a week.

“Turn off your phone, remove the case, and unplug cables and other accessories. Do not only stick the protective glass if you are also protecting the screen. Use a microfiber cloth, along with a small amount of soapy water or disinfectant, alcohol (70% ethanol), or isopropanol. Gently wipe the screen, back, and edges. Don’t forget to clean the protective cover, in which dirt also accumulates, ”explained Agnė Adomaitytė from Bitė Profė.

It’s also important to carefully clean the charging and headphone connectors, where dust, lint, and other contaminants accumulate over time. Due to their devices, batteries sometimes charge more slowly, sound quality and call quality are lower. You can easily clean these areas with a soft bristle toothbrush or compressed air.

What not to wear when cleaning your smartphone? Do not use general household cleaners, such as various detergents, as they can damage the special coating that protects the screens from fingerprints and other greases.

It is important to give up these habits

From now on, to use your phone more hygienically, try not only to clean it regularly, but also to use it more consciously. First of all, avoid sharing your smart device with other people.

“The good news is that you are probably resistant to most of the germs currently on your phone. However, if you use a mobile phone, for example an entire office, it is likely that new bacteria will appear on it, from which your body may not be prepared to defend itself. Bacteria spread through contact, so constantly transferring your phone to other people increases your risk. Try to get others to use your smartphone as little as possible and, if unavoidable, clean that device more often, ”says Dr. R. Gudiukaitė.

Another helpful habit is taking off the phone while eating. You can use a dirty device to carry bacteria during meals.

Bacteria Count “Smart Hygiene” Test Results (Dirty to Cleanest):

1. Smartphone screen;

2. Bank at the bus stop;

3. Steering wheel of the rented car;

4. Lid of the garbage container;

5. Public toilet cover;

6. Fuel gun;

7. Elevator button in the library;

8. Schedule of public transport stops;

9. Transition traffic light button;

10. Banknotes of paper money;

11. Self-service cash register in the shopping center;

12. Electric scooter handle;

13. Cart of disinfected goods;

14. Driver’s car handle;

15. Credit card reader.