The Hidden Health Risk of Mobile Phones

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is a common route for acquiring infection?

Eating contaminated food

Shaking hands with others

Picking up bacteria and viruses from hands (correct)

Touching door handles

Which type of bacteria can cause tuberculosis and diphtheria?

Actinobacteria (correct)

Citrobacter

E. coli

Staphylococcus

Why is sanitizing your phone a regular process?

Because phones can't be contaminated with bacteria

Because phones can't harbor viruses

Because phones can be contaminated, but sanitizing once is enough

Because even after cleaning, phones can be recolonized by microorganisms (correct)

What is the minimum percentage of alcohol required in wipes or sprays to disinfect phone casings and touch screens?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to avoid your phone becoming colonized with germs?

Touching your phone with clean hands and keeping it away when not in use Signup and view all the answers

Phones contain ______ which can harbour and transmit viruses.

plastic Signup and view all the answers

The ______ cold virus can live on hard plastic surfaces for up to a week.

common Signup and view all the answers

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has introduced guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting ______ phones.

mobile Signup and view all the answers

The US Federal Communications Commission recommends daily sanitation of your ______ and other devices.

phone Signup and view all the answers

You might also want to occasionally sanitise your ______ charger when you are cleaning your phone.

phone Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of bacteria that can be found on mobile phones?

E.coli, Staphylococcus, Actinobacteria, Citrobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to regularly clean and disinfect mobile phones?

Because many pathogens on phones are antibiotic resistant and can cause life-threatening infections Signup and view all the answers

What types of viruses can be found on mobile phones?

The common cold virus, COVID-19, rotavirus, influenza, and norovirus Signup and view all the answers

How can you prevent your phone from becoming colonized with germs?

By handling your phone with clean hands, keeping it in your pocket or bag when not in use, and sanitizing it regularly Signup and view all the answers