Smartwatch Bands Also 'Bacteria Clusters'... "95% Contaminated with Bacteria"

Multiple Bacteria Including Staphylococcus Found
Levels Spike During Sweaty Exercise
Disinfection Needed with Regular Wet Wipes and Spray

Numerous harmful pathogenic bacteria were found on the band part of wrist-worn smartwatches. To prevent adverse effects on the skin, the wristband should also be thoroughly disinfected.

A research team from Florida Atlantic University in the United States investigated the hygiene status of wristbands made of plastic, rubber, fabric, leather, and metals such as gold and silver on regular watches and smartwatches.

The team studied the bacterial distribution levels on the wristband surfaces using standard microbial analysis methods. As a result, 95% of the wristbands were found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

There is a high possibility that pathogenic bacteria are distributed on the bands of electronic devices worn on the wrist, such as smartwatches.

In particular, rubber and plastic wristbands had the highest number of bacteria. These are the main materials used for smartwatch wristbands. On the other hand, metal wristbands had relatively fewer bacteria, and bands made of gold and silver had little to no bacteria at all.

According to the research team, Staphylococcus bacteria were found on 85% of the wristbands, Pseudomonas aeruginosa on 30%, and Escherichia coli bacteria were detected on 60%.

The most commonly found Staphylococcus can cause rashes or pain when it infects the skin and can also cause food poisoning. Especially, people who wear smartwatches during sweaty exercises such as working out at the gym showed the highest levels of Staphylococcus.

Regarding this, Professor Ngwadito Eshiobu of Florida Atlantic University, who led the study, said, "The amount and classification of bacteria found on wristbands indicate the need to regularly disinfect the band surfaces," adding, "From a public health perspective, medical workers or those working in hospital environments should disinfect their wristbands particularly thoroughly."

So, what disinfectant is most effective for cleaning the bands? After sterilizing the bands with various substances, the research team found that regardless of the wristband material, general disinfectant sprays and 70% ethanol disinfect the band with a sterilization rate of 99.99% when applied for about 30 seconds. 70% ethanol is commonly contained in regular wet wipes.