Introduction

A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University has made an alarming discovery regarding smartwatches.

Finding Contamination

The study included around 20 different smartwatch bands and found that 95% of them were contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria that could lead to infections and illnesses.

“Even in relatively small quantities, these pathogens have important public health implications,” said biologist Nwadioto Esiobu.

Esiobu explained that the bacteria can “significantly impact the health of people with weakened immune systems. The number and classification of bacteria we found on the wristbands shows that there is a need to regularly disinfect these surfaces.”

This is said to be especially true for healthcare workers and hospital staff who deal with vulnerable patients.

“Plastic and rubber wristbands may create a more favorable environment for bacterial growth, as porous and hard surfaces tend to attract and colonize bacteria,” Esiobu said.

Preferable Bracelets

Meanwhile, silver or gold bracelets were less likely to be colonized by bacteria.

Although staph can live harmlessly on human skin, getting it into a wound can lead to a skin infection.

Signs of Infection

Signs of a skin staphylococcal infection are:

• Appearance of a painful red lump or lump on the skin.
• Swollen skin.
• Ulcers or blisters.
• Inflammation and redness of the eyelids or eyes.

Publication

The study was published in the journal Achievements in Infectious diseases.

Source

Source: Express