Study warns: Using smartphones in the toilet can lead to hospitalisation

In a recent study conducted by NordVPN, it was discovered that a significant number of individuals, especially young people, take their smartphones to the washroom with them. Shockingly, six out of 10 participants admitted to using their phones while conducting their business. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were the primary focus for 61.6% of respondents during their toilet time.

However, this seemingly harmless habit has been found to have severe consequences. The study indicates that smartphones become breeding grounds for deadly bacteria and pathogens, which can pose health risks. The bacteria and germs find their way onto the phone’s surface through the hands of individuals who keep themselves occupied on toilet seats. With continuous use throughout the day, these bacteria can enter our bodies through our mouth, eyes, and nose.

According to experts, germs can survive on mobile phone screens for an astonishing 28 days. Dr. Hugh Hayden, an infection control specialist, has highlighted the concerning fact that smartphones can carry up to ten times more germs than toilet seats. Touchscreens have even been compared to the “mosquito of the digital age” due to their potential to spread infectious diseases.

The habit of using smartphones in the washroom can lead to cross-contamination when individuals touch shared surfaces and then use their phone screens. Consequently, the phone itself becomes a source of infection, perpetuating the spread of germs.

Toilet seats, in particular, harbor various harmful germs, including Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause a range of health problems. These pathogens are associated with urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea, infections, food poisoning, skin infections like abscesses, respiratory infections like sinusitis, and other complications.

It is crucial to understand that it’s not just the phone that can get contaminated in this process; other gadgets, such as earbuds or other items carried into the washroom, may also be exposed to harmful germs.

In light of these findings, experts strongly advise against taking your phone to the washroom. While the temptation for entertainment may be high, it is far more important to prioritize hygiene for the sake of our health. By avoiding the use of smartphones in the washroom, we can reduce the risk of cross-contamination and minimize potential health complications.