Coronavirus has more than 452,160 confirmed cases of infection and has caused devastation in 182 countries. has found that our day-to-day objects could be harbouring some nasty surprises and creating the spread of the virus even further and one thing we all do could be the biggest culprit. A new study finds smartwatches and phones are up to 30 times dirtier than a toilet seat. The study revealed that smartwatches are the dirtiest piece of consumer technology with shoes also being a major culprit in spreading viruses and germs. It’s been revealed that the Covid-19 can live on the soles of shoes for up to five days and footwear that has been worn in busy areas including supermarkets and public transport likely to be carrying the deadly virus. What can a person do to reduce their risk of spreading the virus and what tips can you incorporate into your life to ensure you are safe from an infectious disease?
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus symptoms: The sign in your nose to look out for
A new scientific study from mobile comparison service, comparemymobile has found that typical household tech could be up to 30 times dirtier than a toilet seat harbouring germ such as E. coli and salmonella that can pneumonia-causing bacteria.
The study swabbed a range of household tech including smartwatches, phones, games controllers and laptops, cultivating the bacteria to find the dirtiest household tech items.
In each case they discovered the items harboured more bacteria than an average toilet seat.
The sole of shoes is particularly worrying as they a perfect breeding ground for germs, viruses and bacteria. Soles of shoes are typically made from durable, synthetic materials including rubber, PVC or leather – this is normally lined with plastic. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed coronavirus can remain on synthetic materials used in shoes for as long as five days. It was also revealed in the study that the deadly virus can live on cardboard for 24 hours and on stainless steel and plastic for up to three days.
Coronavirus: Having this feeling when you arise could be a warning [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus: The sign in your nose signal you have COVID-19 [TIPS]
Daniel Clifford from comparemymobile said: “Whether we’re at our desks, relaxing at home, on the tube or on the loo, chances are for many of us will be using at least one piece of consumer technology, especially as wearable tech such as smartwatches becoming more popular.
“Our study really highlights just how dirty our everyday technology can get, in most cases totally invisible to the naked eye.
“As more people are incorporating tech into their daily lives, such as working from home, it makes it more important than ever to regularly clean your devices.
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus symptoms: Feeling this when you arise is a warning
In terms of our shoes, the latest tip is that it’s best to leave footwear at the door of your house and not bring them into the home at all.
Leaving footwear inside the door rather than traipsing them through the house will significantly reduce the risk of a serious spread.
If a person has hardwood or tile floors its less likely the spread will be as serious, however those with carpets should be extra vigilant and disinfect where you can.
Daniel added: “Our tests found that owners should regularly be cleaning their tech, making sure to clean both the watch face and straps.
“This is especially true if you use your wearable to track your fitness outside or when you run as this can cause them to get particularly dirty.
“While many retailers sell phone cleaning wipes, some manufactures suggest the harsh chemicals may damage the protecting coating on your phone’s screen.”
Source: Read Full Article
