Healthy living
Body matters
The bugs in your computer
The biological rather than the programming kind are infesting keyboards around the country and proving to be a real health hazard
Try not to shudder as you read this on your computer, but the keyboard in front of you may harbour more harmful bacteria than a loo seat, according to a study carried out by the magazine Which? Computing.
A microbiologist swabbed over 30 computer keyboards from an average London office and found a whole range of different germs including E.coli, coliforms and staphylococcus. All these bugs can cause food poisoning symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
One keyboard was so filthy - with over 150 times the recommended limit of bacteria - that the scientist recommended its immediate removal. In fact the offending keyboard was five times grimier than a toilet seat swabbed in the same test.
It seems that the main problem is people eating at their desk – food crumbs get lodged in between the keys and encourage the growth of millions of bacteria.
People who forget to wash their hands after a trip to the loo may also be to blame for spreading infection. And the dust that settles between the keys traps moisture providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
A survey of over 4000 people, carried out by the magazine, found that 10 percent of users admitted to never cleaning their keyboard and 20 percent never cleaned their mouse. Almost half cleaned their computer less than once a month.
Sarah Kidner, Which? Computing editor, said: ‘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.
‘Why not give your PC a spring clean? It’s quite simple to do and could prevent your computer from becoming a health hazard.’
A previous study by the University of Arizona found that it’s not just our computers that can make us sick – desktops and phones are also prime habitats for bugs. Microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba, who led the US study, warned that coughing and sneezing leaves behind a carpet of viruses that can live on a surface for up the three days.
Which? Computing recommends that before you clean your computer you should make sure it is shut down and unplugged. Wipe the surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth that is slightly damp. Dust and food crumbs can be removed from the keyboard with a gentle shake and the keys should be disinfected with alcohol wipes.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
