According to the findings of a study conducted by academics at Florida Atlantic University, 95 percent of the 20 smartwatch wristbands that were examined had germs that were potentially causing sickness. Staphylococcus, Enterobacteria (including Escherichia coli), and Pseudomonas were the types of bacteria that were detected the most often. These bacteria are known to be responsible for a wide range of diseases, including abscesses, salmonella, and pneumonia.
Plastic and rubber wristbands may provide a more appropriate environment for bacterial growth as porous and static surfaces tend to attract and be colonized by bacteria, stated Nwadiuto Esiobu, a biological scientist from Florida Atlantic University.
Therefore, if you wear a wristwatch, you could be harboring potentially dangerous viruses that might cause you to become quite ill.
Through the examination of several materials used to make wristbands, researchers were able to determine that plastic and rubber wristbands harbored the highest levels of germs. Still, metal wristbands, such as gold and silver, were nearly bacterium-free. The researchers came across the fact that the germs are transferred to the wristbands by perspiration, contact with the skin, and, naturally, the surroundings. According to other studies, the amount of bacteria that was found on the wristband was directly correlated to the sort of activity that the wearer participated in. For instance, the greatest amounts of staphylococcal germs were found on the wristbands worn by those who frequented gyms.
Due to the fact that we seldom clean them, the technology we use on a daily basis has a good chance of being the dirtiest items in our houses. This is probably something that crosses our minds once in a while or not at all, which is quite a shame. It is essential to treat our electronic gadgets with the same level of care that we give to the other objects in our lives that we depend on.
The possibility of infection via smartwatches was raised as a concern by researchers, particularly for individuals who had compromised immune systems. In addition to this, they suggest that individuals clean their wristbands on a regular basis using soap and water or a disinfectant that contains alcohol.
