16 percent of smartphones have traces of excrement
According to American Genius 16 percent of smartphones have excrement on them. Time and again we keep hearing about the amount of germs on keyboards and smartphones. So we have decided to bring together all the keyboard germ information into one place.
Photo taken by field manager Elle – 2014
The most recent research from Which? tested 30 keyboards, smartphones and tablets. Keyboards showed 600 units of Staphylococus per swab, compared to 20 units on a toilet seat. You can see a significant difference. High traces of Staph bacteria can cause stomach bugs and food poisoning.
The Food Standards Agency said that this amount of bacteria in a food environment would be unacceptable, and that workers would be required to drastically improve personal hygiene. E. coli, salmonella, listeria, excrement, and staphylococcus have all been found on keyboards to our knowledge. All previous studies have ultimately conlcuded that keyboards, smartphones and tablets have more germs than toilet seats. Research suggests the following can be contracted from a dirty keyboard:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach bugs
- Food poisoning
- Flu
- The spread of MRSA
Photo taken by cleaner Kam, showing the amount of dirt in a keyboard
Ibtimes listed where the most bugs can be found. These are the top 5:
- Bin 25,000 (bacteria per swab)
- Toilet door 22,000
- Handle on a London bus 21,000
- Computer keyboard 7,500
- Toilet seat 5,400
For American Genius the remote control is the single dirtiest item one can touch.
Causes
Photo taken by field manager Elle – Mould inside a keyboard
It all starts with office hygiene and germs – 7 Tips: How to keep a clean and germ free office
Not washing hands – Many people do not wash their hands properly. This is the main source of spreading germs. Wash hands before eating and using the toilet.
Personal hygiene – Coughing and sneezing blast out germs you can’t see. Often these germs are active for 48 hours. Imagine using a keyboard that’s been coughed on. Cover your mouth or use a tissue. Avoid biting nails and putting fingers in your mouth.
Eating lunch at your desk and snacking – Spit, saliva and food will be on your keyboard, hands, phones and tablets without you realising. Crumbs; drop into the keyboard and begin to mould. This bacterium will remain there and get worse until it is cleaned. Avoid eating anything at your desk and take a quick break. Research may also suggest eating at your desk will not make you successful.
Rushed toilet breaks – You’ll regret not washing your hands if you get ill. It will only take an extra minute or two.
Mobile devices in toilets – The popularity of mobile devices amongst the younger generation means they’re taking them into the toilet with them, sitting on the toilet watching videos on their smartphone or tablet. These germs are later transferred to where they are, eventually getting back to the keyboard, even if they’ve washed their hands. Don’t take your phone to the toilet, but if you must, be sure to clean it afterwards.
Cleaning
Ibtimes highlight the fact that IT cleaning services exist and are not fully utilised. Having your hardware, computers and keyboards cleaned regularly can protect staff against illness and infection. IT cleaning services include computer cleaning, keyboard cleaning, phone and desk cleaning. A professional service will offer you the highest level of protection for both staff and equipment. Capital offer a clean to 99.9% of germs from your keyboard.
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Alternatively you can have a go at cleaning yourself, however IT cleaning can be time consuming. Professional cleaners can apply cleans in a matter of minutes and are relatively cheap on the whole.
The dangers of a dirty keyboard are evident. What are you going to do to protect your staff and their IT equipment?
Tell us how many keyboards or computers you want cleaning and how often. We’ll be able you provide you a quote. Email – [email protected] or call 0800 013 2182
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