Computer Keyboards rest more germs than Toilets

Computer keyboards pose a considerable health risk as they have more bacteria than toilet seats, said researchers in Britain.

A microbiologist was commissioned by British consumer-advocacy group, Which? to test the sanitation levels of average computer keyboards. Astounding results were found on testing more than 30 computer-keyboards, in their own office.

On comparing the levels of bacteria on keyboards to those found on toilet seats and toilet door handles, the researchers discovered that most of them harbored far higher counts of bacteria than the toilets.

One keyboard exceeded the acceptable level of bacteria by 150 times and required immediate removal from the office. Two other keyboards were found to contain Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections and food poisoning. Some also had E.coli bacteria which mainly causes the infections of Urinary Tract.

Such high levels of infective microorganisms are probably because of the lack of cleanliness.

“Most people don't give much thought to the grime that builds up on their PC, but if you don't clean your computer, you might as well eat your lunch off the toilet,” Sarah Kidner, editor of Which?, was quoted as saying.

Taking a step further, the researchers surveyed different people to check how often did they clean their keyboards and if they washed their hands properly after using the bathroom and before sitting in front of the computer.

It was found that 11 percent never cleaned their keyboards and 46 percent cleaned less than once a month. Only 29 percent clean their keyboards at least once a month.

According to Microbiologist James Francis of Kingmoor Technological Services in Carlisle, England the lack of proper lunch breaks should be blamed for the large contamination.

“More and more people are eating at their desks and are transferring from hand to mouth all the time. That is making things worse,” he said. “If something looks grimy and horrible there is a good chance it is.”

Telephones are also problematic as many pathogenic disease-causing bacteria are also found on them.

Snacking while using computers and poor personal hygiene are being seen as the major reasons behind the problem, since most bacteria are transmitted by hand contact.

Computer users are advised to unplug their computers, put the keyboards upside down and shake them occasionally so that crumbs and other dirty accumulations are removed. Also, alcohol wipes should be used to really get rid of the germs.