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Most of us carry our mobile phones everywhere – on the bus, in the kitchen, even in bed. But experts say there’s one place we really shouldn’t bring them: the toilet.
According to hygiene expert Roberts, our phones are already full of germs because we touch them constantly and place them on many surfaces. When we take them into a public restroom, the risk gets worse. Tiny droplets containing bacteria and viruses can spread around the stall. If your phone touches these germs, you’ll carry them with you long after you’ve left – even if you’ve washed your hands.
The most effective way to stay safe is surprisingly simple: wash your hands. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist, says many people don’t wash long enough. His research in Tucson, Arizona, found that people only spend about 11 seconds washing, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 20 seconds. In fact, only about one in five people wash properly.
For extra protection, health experts suggest using hand sanitiser after washing. The combination of soap, water, and sanitiser offers stronger defence against germs than handwashing alone.
Of course, toilets are not as terrifying as many people imagine. While germs are present, the chances of getting seriously ill from a single visit are low. The key is to follow good hygiene habits without letting fear take over.
So next time you reach for your phone in the bathroom, think twice. Leave it in your pocket, wash your hands well, and add a bit of sanitiser – your health will thank you.
BBC
