Your smartwatch strap is home to millions of bacteria WIRED

In the era of modern technology, smart watches have become a part of daily life, but people have discovered an unexpected problem: Straps for these devices, such as Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch straps, they can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria such as staph and E. coli. This finding reminds us of the importance of regularly disinfecting these accessories, no matter what material they are made of.

A recently published study Research Progress of Infectious Diseasesshows that most users don’t clean their Wearable device Do it as often as possible. The study, conducted by experts at Florida Atlantic University, analyzed bracelets made of different materials including plastic, rubber, cloth, leather and metal to determine which ones accumulated more bacteria.


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Bacteria trapped in watch straps is a silent danger

The results are both surprising and worrying: 95% of samples tested contained some kind of dangerous bacteria. Staphylococcus, the bacteria that causes staph infections, was found in 85 percent of the fittings, while about 60 percent tested positive for E. coli. On the other hand, at least 30 percent contained Pseudomonas, a drug-resistant bacterium associated with serious diseases such as sepsis and pneumonia.

The same analysis also showed that cloth wristbands had the highest concentration of bacteria, followed by plastic and rubber, and finally leather. On the other hand, metal watch straps, especially gold and silver, have the lowest germ content. Part of the explanation for this phenomenon is that the porous and static nature of man-made materials attracts and promotes bacterial growth.

The root cause of this problem is simple: lack of cleanliness. This is especially concerning given that many smartwatches also double as fitness trackers, meaning they are often used at the gym or during intense exercise.Well, it’s not surprising Wearable device People who exercise regularly wear clothes with higher concentrations of microbes than those who don’t.

The worst case is that users of such devices are not used to cleaning them. Maybe give them sanitizing wipes once or twice a year to remove visible dirt or sweat, but the truth is, the smartwatch makers themselves don’t even promote these hygiene practices.

The study also highlights the importance of regular disinfection of smart devices by healthcare professionals, as many of the bacteria found are resistant to antibiotics. In this way, unnecessary outbreaks of MRSA-like disease can be avoided.


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How do I clean my accessories smart watch?

If you’re wondering how to effectively clean your smartwatch or wrist accessory, don’t worry: The study also has a solution. Regardless of the material used, the sanitizing spray and 70% ethanol killed more than 99.99% of germs. However, apple cider vinegar, which is often used as a greens substitute, has little effect on some strains of staph.

It’s important not to underestimate the importance of keeping our devices clean, especially those parts that come into direct contact with our skin.Clean accessories regularly Wearable device It can play an important role in preventing the spread of germs and disease.

Do you want your kids to use their Apple Watch safely? We have written a very useful guide for you.

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