A study reveals that almost all connected bracelets or those of connected watches are contaminated with dangerous bacteria, even fatal in some cases. This concerns hundreds of millions of users.
Several hundreds of millions of people around the world wear on the wrist a connected bracelet or a smartwatch. Whether it’s an Apple Watch SE or a Fitbit Charge 5 for example, these objects have one thing in common: they are rarely removed. And it is logical: they are used to measure our physical activity or the quality of our sleepto read our messages… While following us in the shower sincethey are certified waterproof.
Such promiscuity with our skin has a price, however, and it is not a pretty sight. According to a study published in the scientific journal Advances in Infectious Diseases (Progress in Infectious Diseases), 95% of smart device wristbands are contaminated with dangerous or even deadly bacteria. The researchers wanted to know the relationship between bracelet material and bacteria growth. They sifted through models in fabric, plastic, silicone, leather and metal (gold and silver included).
Connected bracelets and watches are almost all contaminated with dangerous bacteria
In detail, 85% of bracelets have a staphylococcus60% the E. coli bacteria and 30% of pseudomonas, potentially fatal. In any case, each can lead to the contraction of a disease ranging from pneumonia Has blood infections. The study shows that connected athletes have the highest rate of bacteria. The straps in silicone and in plastic are the ones with whom we count the most, unlike the metal (especially gold and silver) which contains very little.
Even if the manufacturers remind that the bracelets must be cleaned regularly, very few people seem to do that. Asked, a regular sportswoman admits that since her purchase in 2019, she only takes her Apple Watch off to sleep, but only cleans it twice a year. The scientists behind the discoveries recommend wash the bracelets very regularly preferably using a ethanol-based disinfectant, killing 99.99% of bacteria in 30 seconds.
Source : New York Post
