Shocking discovery: Harmful bacteria lurk on wristbands you wear every day to work!
The rise of COVID-19 heightened our disinfection practices, but new research has uncovered a surprising breeding ground for harmful bacteria – wristbands. A study conducted by researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science examined various textures of wristbands to assess their potential to harbor dangerous pathogenic bacteria. The findings reveal concerning insights about the hygiene of everyday wrist accessories, often ignored when it comes to cleaning routines.
The investigation focused on wristbands made of plastic, rubber, cloth, leather, and metal (gold and silver). The study aimed to establish a connection between wristband materials and the presence of bacteria. The researchers, eager to identify effective disinfection protocols, assessed the hygiene status of these wristbands worn by active individuals.
Using advanced microbiological assays, the team analyzed bacterial counts, types of bacteria, and their distribution across different wristband surfaces. Additionally, they conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of three disinfectant solutions: Lysol™ Disinfectant Spray, 70 percent ethanol commonly used in medical settings, and even the natural remedy of apple cider vinegar.
The results of this study, published in Advances in Infectious Diseases, might make you reconsider your wristband choices. An astonishing 95 percent of the tested wristbands were found to be contaminated. Notably, rubber and plastic wristbands exhibited higher bacterial counts, while metal wristbands, particularly those made of gold and silver, showed minimal bacterial presence.
"Plastic and rubber wristbands may provide a more suitable environment for bacterial growth due to their porous and static surfaces that tend to attract and accommodate bacteria," explained Dr. Nwadiuto Esiobu, senior author and a professor of biological sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
Remarkably, the study's findings indicated that the texture of the wristband material and the subject's hygiene habits during sampling significantly impacted the load of wristband bacteria. There were no notable gender-based differences in the occurrence or distribution of bacterial groups.
The identified bacteria included common skin residents like Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, along with intestinal organisms like Escherichia, specifically E. coli. Staphylococcus spp were detected on 85 percent of the wristbands, Pseudomonas spp on 30 percent, and E. coli on 60 percent, a bacterium commonly transmitted through fecal-oral transmission.
The research highlighted that individuals engaging in activities like gym workouts had the highest staphylococcal counts on their wristbands. This emphasizes the importance of regular wristband sanitization, particularly after rigorous physical activities.
Staphylococcus aureus, found on human skin and in various body parts, can lead to a range of clinical diseases. Pseudomonas spp, commonly present in the environment, can cause infections in various body parts. Enterobacteria, a bacteria family including E. coli and Salmonella, was also detected.
"The quantity and taxonomy of bacteria found on wristbands underscore the need for their regular sanitation," stated Esiobu. "Even in low numbers, these pathogens hold public health significance. Importantly, the potential impact of these bacteria on immunocompromised individuals underscores the necessity for regular sanitation, especially in hospital environments."
The research results indicated that both Lysol™ Disinfectant Spray and 70 percent ethanol were highly effective, demonstrating a 99.99 percent kill rate within 30 seconds across various wristband materials. Apple cider vinegar exhibited lower potency, requiring a full two-minute exposure to achieve similar bacterial reduction. While all tested disinfectants proved effective on different wristband materials, longer exposure significantly improved their antibacterial efficiency.
Different disinfectants operate through distinct mechanisms, disrupting cell membranes, altering proteins, or interfering with metabolic activities to eliminate bacteria.
The study suggests that similar investigations into bacterial transmission from items like earbuds or cell phones should be considered to enhance hygiene awareness.