Smart watch straps and smart bracelets are a source of bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas or Escherichia coli, according to one study. The test involved 20 different watch straps or smartbands that were found to be contaminated. disease-causing bacteria.
The study, conducted by a team at Florida Atlantic University, was published in the journal progress of infectious diseasethey concluded that in the sample they studied, 20 bracelets of different materials, 95% have bacterial contamination Some infections may result under certain conditions.
Here is the study and its results
Research suggests that wrist straps that secure wrist devices that are frequently worn during activities such as sweating, swimming, carrying pets, or sleeping are not regularly sanitized and therefore likely to be a source of dissemination and bacterial infections.
For the investigation, twenty bracelet samples were randomly collected from volunteer participants. no specific selection criteria. These straps are made of different materials: metal, rubber, plastic, cloth and leather.
After completing the collection process Bacteria are cultured On separate sample plates, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Escherichia coli are exclusively shown.
The bacteria analyzed in the study were chosen because they were one of most commonly found in the body and the environment. In addition, under the right conditions, they can cause diseases such as abscesses, pneumonia or salmonella.
As a result, the researchers found that bracelets made of rubber or plastic most bacteria, by having a porous and static surface. On the other hand, metal watch straps, especially those made of gold or silver, have the least amount of bacteria.
Of course, there were no significant differences between male and female participants, although it was found that bracelet for people who go to the gym They are high in staph, bacteria that can cause mild skin problems but can also cause fatal infections if they get into the bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.
need cleaning
In addition, the study analyzed which are the most effective ways to disinfect the belts, because although they are used most of the time or throughout the day, they are rarely cleanedAlthough the results suggest that even small numbers of pathogens can have important implications for public health.
Finding the Most Viable Options to Clean Chorea used three options: Lysol disinfectant spray, a 70% ethanol blend similar to those used in hospitals, and a more natural blend called apple cider vinegar.
Both Lysol and ethanol served Removes 99.9% of bacteria It took 30 seconds for all materials, although the researchers found that the apple cider vinegar was less effective against the bacteria, taking longer to work and not completely kill them.
The study finally mentioned that if the watch strap is used every day without routine cleaning, it may accumulate potential pathogenic bacteria, that is, it will increase the tendency or susceptibility of people to certain diseases, so it is necessary to Regular sanitation these surfaces.