Manky Mobile Menace

With recent research showing that Smartphones harbour 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat and that 74 per cent of us admit to bringing it to bed, scientists are warning that bringing a phone to bed can be hazardous to your health.  

Harmful Bacteria On Your Phone 

A study from the University of Arizona found that mobile phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. This, coupled with stats showing 50 million Britons admit they keep their phone in their bedroom at night, with 74 per cent of them bringing it into bed (YouGov) shows how bacteria can be transferred easily from our phones to our beds. 

Research has also revealed that to make matters worse, some of the harmful bacteria on mobiles can include those usually found in cockroach droppings! MattressNextDay’s 2024 report, “A Swab Report: The Most Unhygienic Sleep Tech”, highlights how this bacterium, known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can be harmful to your body by affecting your skin, blood, lungs plus your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In a worst-case scenario, this can also lead to rashes, pneumonia, and even sepsis. 

Why Are Our Phones Covered In Harmful Bacteria? 

Our phones are covered in harmful bacteria for several key reasons, including: 

– Frequent handling. On average, people touch their phones 2,617 times a day (Dscout). This constant contact introduces bacteria from our hands to the phone’s surface, which then accumulates throughout the day. 

– Exposure to contaminated environments. Phones travel with us everywhere, including highly contaminated places such as public transport, work desks, restaurants, and even bathrooms and toilets. Research from the University of Arizona revealed that mobile phones carry ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat, highlighting how easily they pick up germs from these environments  

– Lack of cleaning. As highlighted by the MattressNextDay survey, despite the high risk of contamination, 51 per cent of people never clean their phones with antibacterial products, and 10 per cent only clean them once a year! Also, the same study showed that 70 per cent of smartwatch users never clean their devices, despite wearing them during activities like exercise, where sweat and bacteria are accumulated. 

– Warm and moist conditions. The warm environment of pockets, bags, and especially beds, creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. Devices like smartphones, which are kept close to the body, provide the moisture and warmth needed for bacteria to multiply, including harmful ones like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is commonly found on phones. 

Transferring Bacteria to Your Bed 

When we take our phones into bed, the bacteria they carry can easily be transferred to our bedding. If you keep your phone on your pillow or under it, bacteria will transfer to the fabric and eventually to your skin. This can result in clogged pores, acne, or more serious skin infections. MattressNextDay’s research revealed that smartphones are even dirtier than TV remotes, previously thought to be one of the dirtiest household items 

Which Bacteria and How Harmful? 

Mobile phones are home to a wide range of bacteria, many of which can pose significant health risks if they are not properly cleaned. Common examples of bacteria found on phones, along with the potential harm they can cause include: 

– Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As previously mentioned, this bacterium is one of the most frequently found on smartphones and is commonly linked to cockroach faeces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in warm, moist environments, such as a bed or pocket, and is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems. It can cause a variety of infections, including skin rashes, eye infections, and more severe conditions like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis. 

– Staphylococcus aureus. Also known as “staph,” this bacterium is a common cause of skin infections and can lead to more severe conditions like abscesses, boils, or cellulitis. In some cases, Staphylococcus aureus can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections such as toxic shock syndrome or sepsis. The presence of staph on phones is concerning, especially when phones are frequently held against the face. 

– Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacterium is often associated with faecal contamination, and it can find its way onto phones from unhygienic practices like using phones in the bathroom. Some strains of E. coli are harmless, but others can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including food poisoning, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. The bacteria can transfer from your phone to your hands and then to your mouth, increasing the risk of infection  

– Streptococcus. This group of bacteria is responsible for a range of infections, from mild throat infections to more serious illnesses like scarlet fever and pneumonia. Some strains of streptococcus can cause skin infections, while others may lead to invasive diseases like meningitis or bloodstream infections. The frequent handling of phones and the proximity to the face make it easier for these bacteria to transfer from the phone to the body (and the bed). 

Simple Steps to Reduce the Risk 

Thankfully, there are some simple measures that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with dirty phones. These include: 

– Clean your phone regularly. Use antibacterial wipes or a UV sanitiser daily to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface. Research suggests that regular cleaning can significantly lower the bacterial load. 

– Keep phones out of the bed. Avoid bringing your phone into bed. Instead, place it on a nightstand or another surface to prevent transferring bacteria to your bedding. 

– Wash your bedding frequently. Wash your pillowcases and bed sheets once a week (fornightly at a minimum) to minimise bacteria build-up that may come from your phone or skin. If you’re ill, more frequently is advisable.

– Clean wearable tech. For those using smartwatches or fitness trackers, it’s essential to clean these devices regularly, as they come into direct contact with the skin and can harbour bacteria. 

Are There Any Antibacterial Phones? 

Currently, there are no fully antibacterial phones, but there are antibacterial phone cases and coatings. For example, Tech21 produces phone cases with an embedded antimicrobial formula that it says reduces bacteria by up to 99.99 per cent within 24 hours, providing long-lasting protection by preventing bacterial growth on the case’s surface.  

Also, for a more integrated approach, the CAT S42 H+ rugged phone uses Biomaster antimicrobial silver-ion technology directly on the handset, thereby inhibiting bacterial replication and maintaining effectiveness even after cleaning. 

What About Antibacterial Bedding? 

If we must take bacteria-phones to bed, it’s worth noting that there are antibacterial bed sheets, quilts, and pillows available. Many of these products are made using materials treated with antimicrobial technologies like silver-ion technology, which prevents the growth of bacteria, mould, and allergens. For example, brands like Silvon and Miracle Brand offer bed sheets infused with silver, known for its natural antibacterial properties. Also, some bedding products use bamboo fabric, which naturally resists bacteria (and odour). 

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

For businesses, the takeaway from this warning about taking dirty phones to bed is a reminder that the hygiene of phones and other tech devices in the workplace is often overlooked, yet the risks are significant. Phones are used constantly in professional environments, e.g. shared desks, meetings, and even kitchens, creating opportunities for bacteria to spread. If staff regularly handle contaminated devices, the bacteria can be transferred from phone to hand, to surfaces, and potentially to colleagues. This could lead to increased illness, more sick days, and lower productivity. 

The research shows that smartphones can harbour bacteria linked to serious health issues like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which are capable of causing infections that can spread quickly in an office environment. In industries like healthcare, hospitality, and food services, where hygiene is critical, the implications are even more serious. Employers need to be aware that simple negligence, such as not cleaning phones or smartwatches, can affect not just the health of individual employees, but the entire workforce. 

Taking proactive steps, such as encouraging employees to regularly clean their devices, providing access to antibacterial wipes or UV sanitisers, and limiting the use of personal phones in sensitive areas like kitchens or communal workspaces, can help mitigate these risks. If your business relies on wearable tech or handheld devices, investing in antibacterial cases or antibacterial-treated handsets can offer an added layer of protection. 

Taking device hygiene seriously in your business, therefore, can contribute to a healthier workplace, reduce the likelihood of bacterial transmission, and demonstrate a commitment to staff well-being. This is not just a matter of health but also of maintaining operational efficiency and reducing disruptions caused by illness in the workforce. 

In our lives outside work, the research on dirty phones and wearable tech should prompt a serious reconsideration of our daily habits. It seems that although our phones are important communication tools they are also fertile breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can transfer to our skin, face, and bedding, potentially leading to infections and health risks. Whether at home or in shared environments, our constant phone usage, coupled with infrequent cleaning, puts us at risk of transferring bacteria to others and ourselves.