A biomedical science expert has issued a warning about a common everyday item that serves as a hotspot for bacterial growth—and it’s something you likely touch frequently. Dr. Gareth Nye, a lecturer at the University of Salford, highlighted that the risk significantly increases when this item is taken into bathrooms due to potential exposure to fecal matter.

Dr. Nye stated, “Phone screens are major contributors to the spread of diseases, particularly if they are used in bathrooms. A prime example is placing your phone on the toilet’s surface while flushing.

“When you flush, particles containing fecal matter are dispersed into the air, potentially landing on your phone. Even if you’ve washed your hands, every interaction with your phone could be transferring harmful pathogens.”

He added, “Essentially, everything our fingers come into contact with is likely to touch a phone screen soon after, making it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially during this season.”

Dr. Nye’s concerns are echoed by others in the field. Dr. Lotti Tajouri, another biomedical scientist, once compared mobile devices to ‘five-star hotels with premium heated spas [and] free buffet for microbes,’ following a comprehensive study conducted in 2020.

This study, spearheaded by Bond University in Australia, examined 56 studies from 24 different countries and discovered that phones harbor a wide array of live germs. Among the most common were E. Coli, often spread via fecal contamination and undercooked food, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Although common, both can cause a range of infections from mild to severe, potentially including pneumonia in the most serious cases. “They have temperature control, we keep them in our pockets, we are addicted to them,” Dr Tajouri said about phones at the time.

“We talk into them and deposit droplets that can be full of viruses, bacteria – you name it. We eat with them, so we give nutrients to microorganisms. And nobody – absolutely nobody – washes or decontaminates their phone.”

He also added: “We know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 80 per cent of all infections are associated with our hands. You can wash your hands as many times as you like – and you should – but if you then touch a contaminated phone you are contaminating yourself all over again. Think of your phone as your third hand.”

Given these risks, experts generally advise cleaning your phone regularly. According to Which?, 70% alcohol wipes are often deemed the safest method for cleaning, provided you avoid any openings such as headphone ports and speakers.

In October, Adam Speight, a senior researcher at Which? recommended: “Cleaning advice doesn’t just go for those that are getting hands-on contact with their smartphone. If you’re using a phone case to cover your precious handset, you should be just as diligent with cleaning it, particularly if your phone case doubles as a purse to store your cards and money.”

The fresh insights emerge amid an earlier-than-expected onset of the flu season across the UK, sparking concerns about a heightened strain on the NHS. Beyond noting the risks associated with our phone screens, Dr Nye also emphasised the importance of simply washing our hands.

He added: “Viruses like the cold and flu viruses can be removed through washing hands with warm water and soap. This process breaks down the viral structure and weakens it. Hand washing is linked to around 20% lower rates of respiratory infections and 30% lower rates of diarrhoea-related illnesses.”