ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Around 25 per cent of men admit to sitting down on the lavatory seat to urinate to free up both hands to use their mobile phones, a survey reveals.

And 15 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed say they have dropped their mobile phone down the toilet at some point.

The study, carried out by O2 and Sony, revealed that 59 per cent of people admit to texting on the lavatory while 45 per cent send emails. Around a half also take their handset in with them when they have a bath.

And 12 per cent of respondents say pressure to stay on top of phone messages, emails and their digital social lives is what prompts them to take their phone with them to the loo.

O2's UK general manager devices David Johnson said: "We have become a nation of multi-taskers when it comes to our smartphones, so it's no surprise that some of our customers are making use of whatever time they have when their hands are free to check in and stay up to date.

"Manufacturers have clocked what their handsets are likely to be subjected to by users, and these have now been made tougher than ever to better withstand the rough ride they're likely to receive."

Sony and O2 have launched the Xperia Z handset which is claimed to be water-resistant. The phone can be used in the shower and will work for up to 30 minutes underwater, say the manufacturers. It will also survive a dunking in the toilet and can be given a quick rinse under the tap if it gets wet.