Dirty Britons’ handwashing habits revealed

Friday October 14th, 2011

One in six mobile phones in Britain is contaminated, most likely because people are failing to wash their hands properly, experts warned today.

A study conducted by scientists from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London, found that although 95 per cent of people claimed they washed their hands with soap, 92 per cent of phones were covered in potentially harmful bacteria.

Their conclusions come after researchers travelled to 12 cities and took 390 samples from mobile phones and hands. Participants were also asked questions about their handwashing habits.

The findings, published to coincide with Global Handwashing Day tomorrow - on October 15 - found that 16 per cent of hands and 16 per cent of phones examined were found to be contaminated with E. coli, which is linked to stomach upsets.

Hygiene expert and UK campaign leader for Global Handwashing Day Dr Val Curtis, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “This study provides more evidence that some people still don't wash their hands properly, especially after going to the toilet.

"Washing your hands with soap is such a simple thing to do but there is no doubt it saves lives."

The research also found a North/South divide when it came to hygiene habits.

The largest proportion of contaminated phones was in Birmingham (41 per cent) while 28 per cent of the phones examined in London had E. coli on them.

But, say researchers, the dirtiest phones and hands were found in Glasgow, where average bacterial levels were nine times higher than in Brighton.

Dr Ron Cutler, of Queen Mary, University of London, said: "Our analysis revealed some interesting results from around the UK. While some cities did much better than others, the fact that E. coli was present on phones and hands in every location shows this is a nationwide problem."

Tags: General Health | MRSA & Hygiene | UK News

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