It isn’t uncommon for someone to go to the bathroom with their phone these days. In fact, it might be a little strange if you don’t! However, after reading this, you’ll never take your phone to the bathroom again.
Taking your phone to the bathroom seems like a harmless thing to do, but it is actually dangerous. Dr. Lisa Ackerly, a hygiene expert, says that taking your phone to the bathroom exposes you to germs like salmonella, E. Coli, and C Diff. She advises people to not take their phone to the bathroom. She explains that if you wipe your buttock then pick up your phone, you shouldn’t bother washing your hands. All the germs that were in or around the toilet are now on the device you carry around all day long.
Bacteria on a cell phone can last for days. Dr. Ackerly explains that germs do not only transfer by hands. Bacteria can be transferred object to object, and can live on a phone for days! The phone regularly gets warm, therefore, it is a stable living environment for bacteria. They can live on your phone for days, or find a new place to reside. That place might possibly be you! Dr. Ackerly also warns to never let your toothbrush be near a toilet or any nearby shelf. She also says to “never put your phone on the toilet paper roll or holder.” She says to never take your cell phone in the bathroom, but if you do, don’t do it with sticky hands! If you have sticky hands from sugary foods, this is the perfect living environment for the bacteria.
One of the most common bacteria found in a toilet is C. Difficile. This bacteria can cause diarrhea and vomiting! Accordingly, if you do not flush the toilet with the lid closed, this bacteria is spread throughout the air! Be sure to leave your phone in another room, wash your hands consistently, and close the lid when you flush. If you do those things, you should be safe from bacteria from the toilet like C. Difficile.