ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Staphylococcus, E coli and Pseudomonas were among the pathogens found on the wristbands of smart watches tested in a new study.

Scientists at Florida Atlantic University's College of Science randomly checked the devices of 20 people to determine which ones harboured the most bacteria. And they found that 95 per cent of the watch straps tested harboured some level of grime.

Porous wearables made from rubber or plastic made for better breeding grounds and therefore had the highest incidences of germs. Much lower concentrations of pathogens were found on metal wristbands, however, while those made from gold or silver revealed minimal levels of contamination.

"Even at relatively low numbers these pathogens are of public health significance," claims the study's senior author Dr Nwadiuto Esiobu from the department of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University.

"Importantly, the ability of many of these bacteria to significantly affect the health of immunocompromised hosts indicates a special need for healthcare workers and others in hospital environments to regularly sanitise these surfaces."

Staphylococcus was found on 85 per cent of the watches tested while the diarrhoea-inducing Escherichia coli was found on 60 per cent. And 30 per cent were found to harbour Pseudomonas which can lead to lung infections.

The highest staph counts were found on smartwatches worn by frequent gym-goers while the heaviest E coli counts were discovered on the devices of pet-owners.

Experts claim that the best way to reduce smartwatch pathogens is to clean the device regularly using appropriate products such as alcohol wipes.