Phones in leather cases are germ hotspots, study reveals

We all realize that our cell phones are breeding grounds for bacteria. However, only a few people know the scale of this problem.

Phone screens are almost seven times more contaminated than toilet seats. Initial Washroom Hygiene, a company from Great Britain, conducted research on smartphones and identified the specific type of most harmful devices. It was found that phones in leather cases are the most contaminated.

A standard smartphone contains about 1,500 bacteria. For comparison, the average contamination of toilet seats is only 220 bacteria, reports "Metro." These may be surprising data for many of us. Phone cases and covers are usually made of rubber, which creates a warm and comfortable environment for microorganisms; leather is even more conducive to bacteria.

As explained by Professor Hugh Pennington, a retired lecturer in bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, wiping a smartphone in terms of "effectiveness" is equivalent to chasing germs with a tissue. Phones are covered with bacteria because we touch them in various situations throughout the day.

Smartphones can contain noroviruses in winter. These are microorganisms that cause stomach flu. They can be contracted, among other ways, through contact with someone else's smartphone, which also means contact with the owner's bacteria. However, these are not the only microorganisms we can find on these devices.

According to health department data, the bacteria found on smartphones can be divided into three groups: streptococci, mainly from the mouth; staphylococci; and diphtheroid, which are usually found on the skin.