Disinfect your bracelet or connected watch regularly.

Like millions of people around the world, you can wear a connected watch or bracelet, such as an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin or Fitbits, every day to track your sleep, record workouts, monitor your overall health, or simply keep your favorite apps under your fingertips. hand – or rather, on the wrist. But if you wear this little accessory to exercise, cuddle your pets, eat, go to the bathroom and sleep, that doesn’t mean you sanitize it often.

In a study published by Florida Atlantic University and published by the New York Post, a team of researchers examined several bracelets and found that 95% of them were contaminated with dangerous bacteria! A result that is hardly surprising, but remains particularly concerning given that these bacteria can cause a variety of clinical diseases such as pneumonia and blood infections. That’s why it’s important to remember that these small devices need to be removed and disinfected regularly.

Real nests of bacteria

The researchers found that of the 20 watch bands analyzed, 85% contained Staphylococcus aureus, 60% contained Escherichia coli bacteria, and 30% contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, also known as pyocyanin bacillus, which can be potentially fatal. Models made of fabric, rubber and plastic, followed by leather, are most susceptible to bacteria. On the other hand, metal models made of gold or silver have lower prices. Additionally, the spread is even greater among people who exercise with their device. Obviously, sweating promotes the spread of germs.

But despite these risks, many users do not clean their watches regularly. It is also highly recommended to disinfect the bracelets, especially after intense physical activity. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of cleaning products. Additionally, you should use a 70% ethanol-based cleaner, such as hydroalcoholic wipes, or a disinfectant spray, which kills 99.99% of bacteria in just 30 seconds of cleaning. On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is less effective against Staphylococcus aureus even after five minutes of scrubbing. Be careful! Disinfect the plastic bracelet for a good two minutes, as 30 seconds of exposure to ethanol is not enough to kill harmful bacteria on this material.

Jewelry too

This bacteria problem is not limited to watches and related bracelets, it also occurs with classic watches or jewelry. A study published by the Daily Mail in 2015 found that the festival wristbands we typically collect in the summer contain twenty times more bacteria than most clothing.

Sources: editors and Internet.