ALBAWABA A recent study has revealed an unexpected irony – the very bands that connect these devices to our wrists might be harboring harmful bacteria that could compromise our health.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) conducted a study that investigated the bacterial contamination on various smartwatch bands, shedding light on the potential health risks associated with wearing these bands without proper hygiene practices.
Published in the science journal Advances in Infectious Diseases, the study from FAU examined a wide range of smartwatch bands, including those from popular brands like Fitbit and Apple Watch.
The researchers aimed to determine if there was a correlation between the material of the bands and the accumulation of bacteria. The results of the study were both surprising and concerning.
Of the wristbands tested, a staggering 95% were found to be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Among the most prevalent bacteria identified were Staphylococcus spp, responsible for staph infections, present in 85% of the bands.
Additionally, 60% of the bands contained E. coli, and 30% had Pseudomonas spp, known for causing pneumonia.
The study also examined how different materials fared in terms of bacterial accumulation. Cloth bands ranked as the worst in terms of bacterial buildup, followed by plastic, rubber, and leather.
Metal bands, such as gold and silver, exhibited the lowest levels of bacterial contamination.
The researchers pointed out that the porous and static nature of plastic and rubber bands created an ideal environment for germs to thrive.
One promising aspect of the study was its exploration of disinfection methods. The researchers found that Lysol Disinfectant Spray and 70% ethanol, commonly found in alcohol wipes, effectively eliminated 99.99% of bacteria within 30 seconds, regardless of the material.
This indicates that regular cleaning with these disinfectants can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination on smartwatch bands.
While disinfection can effectively mitigate the risk of bacterial buildup, the study raised concerns about the actual hygiene practices of smartwatch users.
Many people wear their smartwatches nearly 24/7 and may neglect regular cleaning, especially after workouts. Participants who engaged in physical activity while wearing their smartwatches exhibited the highest levels of bacterial contamination.
The study found no significant gender-based differences in the results.
In light of these findings, senior author Nwadiuto Esiobu, Ph.D., emphasized the need for regular sanitation of smartwatch bands.
The quantity and type of bacteria found on these bands underscore their potential public health significance. Ensuring that users maintain proper hygiene practices, such as cleaning their smartwatch bands regularly, is vital to preventing unwanted infections
