Potential Health Risks of Apple Watch Usage
An Apple Watch or Fitbit wristband is a hotspot for harmful bacteria caused by fever, diarrhea and a weakened immune system, a new study has found. According to a study recently published in the journal Advances in Infectious Diseases, almost all Apple Watches and Fitbits are covered in harmful bacteria.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in the United States tested plastic, rubber, fabric, leather and metal bracelets (gold and silver) looking for a correlation between the material of the bracelet and the accumulation of bacteria.
They found that 95 percent of the wristbands were contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria.
Specifically, 85 percent had Staphylococcus spp., which causes staph infections, 60 percent had E. coli bacteria, and 30 percent had potentially deadly Pseudomonas spp. Gym-goers had the most bacteria in staph infections, which can cause sepsis or even death, highlighting the importance of disinfecting wristbands after exercise, according to the study.
Although activity levels were associated with bacterial growth, the structure of the wristband material was the biggest predictor. Plastic and rubber bracelets were found to have higher bacteria counts, while metallic ones – especially gold and silver – had little or no bacteria, the study showed.
According to researchers, plastic and rubber wristbands provide an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate because their porous and static surfaces attract and allow bacteria to grow.
When the watches were worn by different sexes, the difference was not noticeable.
“The number and taxonomy of bacteria we found on the wristbands indicate that these surfaces undergo regular cleaning,” said senior author Nwadiuto Esiobu, PhD. “These pathogens are of public health importance even in relatively small amounts.” he added.
He also noted that active, gym-going healthcare workers should be extra careful in disinfecting their watches to avoid possible transmission to at-risk patients.
