High bacteria pathogen on cellphones calls for better hand washing regimen

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently said that a study conducted among 386 participants by Pal et al. has shown that 81.8 per cent of mobile phones and 80 per cent of hand swabs having bacterial pathogen growth. 

The study’s findings came into light, when the Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Faggan Singh Kulaste stated it in a written reply in the Lok Sabha recently. According to experts, the study has shifted the spotlight, yet again, on poor hand hygiene habits. 

Dr R Sundararaman, Head of Department, Internal Medicine, SIMS Hospital, said that bacteria are an important part of our lives. “In fact, the reason why each of us smell a particular way is also because of the presence of these bacteria. These spread when the hand comes in contact with various parts of the body like the face. Since mobile phones are an equally important part of our lives, they are the biggest harbours and carriers of the bacteria,” he added. He also pointed out that the transfer of the organism can be prevented through healthy hygiene habits. 

“Still many do not have the habit of washing their hands either after using the toilet or before eating our food - some due to practical reasons like travel. However, it is important to enforce hand washing. A larger study has shown that washing hands with either a soap or an alcoholic solution can remove the organisms,” he said. Dr Sundararaman also explained that the presence of bacteria can affect a few groups of population the most. 

“These include children, older people, those who are immuno-compromised, or on steroids or under medication for cancer. They have an undeveloped or a low immune system,” he said. It is therefore imperative to keep cleaning the mobile phone either with a sponge, or with most of them being water proof, wiping them with a wet cloth, apart from practising a regular hand washing regimen, he added.