Dangerous microoganisms can cling to any surface, including smartphones, and then transfer to hands. This is a concern highlighted by Oksana Chikina, head of the epidemiological department at the Hadassah clinic branch in Skolkovo, who spoke with socialbites.ca about the issue.
Researchers from the University of Kufa in Iraq previously tested bacterial contamination on 300 mobile phones that were randomly collected from students, staff, and campus faculty. The findings showed that a large majority of devices carried microbes on their surfaces. The study revealed that 86 percent of mobile phones were contaminated with a mix of bacteria, including the normal skin flora but also disease-causing organisms. This demonstrates how everyday devices can become reservoirs for germs in a campus environment.
In terms of which bacteria were most commonly found, Staphylococcus aureus appeared on about one fifth of the samples, pneumococci on roughly one in eight, and Escherichia coli as well as fecal enterococci on close to one in eleven devices. Pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella were also detected on some phone cases. In a broader sense, the results suggest that smartphones can host a spectrum of bacteria, from harmless skin microbes to organisms capable of causing illness.
The epidemiologist notes that the mobile phone has the potential to act as a vehicle for transmitting infections. If such a device is handed to a young child for viewing videos or playing games, there is a possibility that bacteria and viruses could be introduced into the child’s body through the mouth. That risk underscores the importance of risk-reduction practices around mobile devices in homes and schools.
Based on these observations, regular cleaning of smartphones is advised. Oksana Chikina recommends practical disinfection steps, such as using alcohol-based hand sanitizers or specialized ultraviolet disinfection devices. These methods can reduce microbial load on devices when used correctly. The core idea is straightforward: frequent surface cleaning lowers the chance of transferring germs from screens to hands and then to the face or mouth. In busy settings like households with children, workplaces, and educational institutions, integrating routine device hygiene into daily habits can make a noticeable difference in overall germ exposure.
Earlier coverage by socialbites.ca explored related concerns about keeping charging-connected smartphones under pillows and the potential implications for sleep health and exposure to microbes. While that topic highlights a different context, it reinforces the broader message that personal devices are part of daily life and deserve mindful hygiene practices to support personal health and well-being.