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Health risk smartphone TÜV admonished to better protection against germs
Smartphones or tablets are often contaminated with many germs, fungi and bacteria. Especially for people with a weakened immune system, this represents a health hazard. The TÜV gives some tips for better mobile phone hygiene.
Health hazard for weakened people
For years, experts have warned again and again against the "germ cell phone". Even the smallest scratches on smartphones and tablets are enough germs, fungi and bacteria as a hiding place and breeding ground, warns the TÜV. Such pathogens stay at room temperature for several days, spores of fungi even several months. "Healthy people do not normally cause the germs any problems. However, there is an increased risk of infection for people with weak immune systems or cold waves, "explained Dr. Wiete Schramm, a doctor at TÜV Rheinland. The expert advises to thoroughly clean smartphones and tablets regularly.
Germs on the smartphone. Image: Alexander Raths - fotolia Do not use harsh cleaners
Special hygiene sprays with a germicidal effect are ideal for cleaning sensitive touchscreens. Such sprays are available in drugstores, specialty stores or pharmacies. In addition, for the daily care of smartphones and tablets cleaning wipes for monitors and other electrical equipment is recommended. If such are not at hand, it also makes an emergency cleaning cloth made of microfibre, which even in a dry state still absorbs grease. You should be wary of crumbs or other particles that can scratch your hands when rubbed. Never use sharp cleaners such as dish soap, soapsuds, alcohol or glass cleaner. In the long term, they can damage the greasy surface of the equipment, making it less easy to use.
The most important thing is washing your hands
The best protection against germs is simple, but effective: Hand washing is the most important hygiene rule in all situations, including hygiene for mobile phones. Millions of pathogens cavort on their hands, and because people often face each other, they bring their own germs on the displays. From there they can get back into the eyes, nose or mouth. "If you use a cell phone or tablet while you eat, you can leave tiny scraps of food left, which then serve as a perfect breeding ground for other germs," explained the doctor. During a toilet, you should keep your hands off the phone.
Foils for displays
Germ growth is also favored by creams and make-up. With a special film you can protect the displays from scratches and germs. Such films have the great advantage that they are interchangeable. With small openings on the phone sometimes cotton swabs - which must be absolutely dry - help. However, they can leave fluff. But you can often blow them out. With the help of a toothpick you can clean small cracks, such as around the display frame. Again, caution is advised as the tips can damage parts of the smartphone. However, germs are not only found on the phones. As the TÜV just recently warned, PC keyboards should be cleaned regularly. This is especially true for men, if you believe a US study. The researchers found in their study a few years ago that particularly many germs are found in men's offices. Among other things, the scientists explained that men would rarely wash their hands. (Ad)