Like millions of people around the world, you may wear a connected watch or bracelet every day – such as an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin or Fitbits – whether to monitor your sleep, record your workouts, your general health to keep an eye on etc. Simply keep your favorite apps at hand – or rather, on your wrist. But wearing the little accessory while exercising, cuddling with your pets, eating, using the toilet, and sleeping doesn’t mean you’re disinfecting it often.
In a study published by Florida Atlantic University and reported by the New York Post, a team of researchers examined several bracelets and found that 95% of them were contaminated with dangerous bacteria! A finding that is hardly surprising, but is nonetheless particularly worrying since these bacteria can cause a variety of clinical illnesses such as pneumonia and blood infections. That’s why it’s important to remember that these small devices need to be removed and disinfected regularly.
Real bacteria nests
Of the 20 watch bands analyzed, researchers found that 85% contained Staphylococcus aureus, 60% contained Escherichia coli bacteria, and 30% contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria – also known as the pyocyanin bacillus – which can be potentially fatal. Models made of fabric, rubber and plastic as well as leather are most susceptible to bacteria. Metallic models in gold or silver, on the other hand, have lower rates. Additionally, the prevalence is even greater among people who exercise on their device. Sweating obviously promotes the proliferation of germs.
But despite these risks, many users do not clean their watches regularly. It is also strongly recommended to disinfect the wristbands, especially after intense physical activity. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of cleaning products. You’ll also need to use a 70 percent ethanol-based cleaning product – such as hydroalcoholic wipes – or a disinfectant spray that kills 99.99% of bacteria in just 30 seconds of cleaning. On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is less effective against Staphylococcus aureus even after five minutes of cleaning. However, be careful! Disinfect a plastic bracelet for a good two minutes, as 30 seconds of exposure to ethanol is not enough to kill harmful bacteria on this material.
Also jewelry
This bacterial problem not only affects watches and associated bracelets, but also occurs in classic watches or jewelry. A study published by the Chron in 2015 showed that festival wristbands we collect in the summer contained twenty times more bacteria than on most clothing.
Sources: editorial team and internet
Like millions of people around the world, you may wear a connected watch or bracelet every day – such as an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin or Fitbits – whether to monitor your sleep, record your workouts, your general health to keep an eye on etc. Just keep your favorite apps close at hand…