Your smartphone could be dirtier than a toilet seat: Study reveals unseen bacterial threats

In recent years, a handful of studies explored the number of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens on our mobile phones. IFL Science highlighted the results of an analysis published in the scientific journal 'Scientific Reports in June 2022.

The researchers analyzed the phones of 26 healthcare workers in their study. They found roughly 11,160 organisms across all devices, comprising 5,714 bacteria, 675 fungi, 93 protists, 228 viruses, and 4,453 bacteriophages. While it's true that medical facilities pose a higher risk for contact with harmful bacteria or viruses, this doesn't negate the fact that phones used by various professionals, and indeed all of us, harbor many invisible threats.

Prior studies, such as a 2012 investigation by the University of Arizona, found that a cell phone can possess ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Researchers from the University of Michigan emphasized how our habits contribute to this problem. One common faux pas is bringing phones into the bathroom. Flushing spreads numerous pathogens into the air, including dangerous E.coli bacteria, Hepatitis A virus, streptococci, rotaviruses, staphylococci, and even Salmonella.

IFL Science reports that the bacteria most commonly found on smartphones include E.coli, staphylococci, actinomycetes, or enterococci. This is something to remember each time we use our phones. Mainly because, as reported by the outlet, the average person taps their phone screen about 2617 times a day, with more intensive users doing it around 5427 times a day. It would be best to clean your phone regularly to help reduce the risk of contact with harmful bacteria and viruses. Use a microfiber cloth, a cleaning solution designed for electronics, or wipes infused with a special detergent or antibacterial agent.