Shillong, August 20: A recent study has unveiled that Apple Watch and Fitbit wristbands can harbor harmful bacteria associated with fever, diarrhea, and weakened immunity.
Published in Advances in Infectious Diseases, the study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in the US found that nearly all examined Apple Watches and Fitbits were tainted with harmful bacteria.
A report in IANS stated that materials of the wristbands were analyzed, including plastic, rubber, cloth, leather, and metal (gold and silver), in search of a link between material type and bacterial presence. The findings revealed that a staggering 95% of the wristbands contained potentially harmful bacteria.
The study highlighted that 85% of the wristbands hosted Staphylococcus spp., responsible for staph infections, while 60% carried E. coli bacteria, and 30% harbored potentially lethal Pseudomonas spp. Those who frequented the gym had the highest bacteria levels, underscoring the need to sanitize wristbands after exercising.
Interestingly, while activity levels were connected to bacterial growth, the texture of the wristband material was the most influential factor. Plastic and rubber wristbands demonstrated higher bacterial counts, in contrast to metal variants—particularly gold and silver—which exhibited minimal or no bacterial presence. The porous and static surfaces of plastic and rubber wristbands offered an ideal environment for bacterial accumulation and growth.
The study emphasized the necessity of regular sanitation for these wristband surfaces due to the public health significance of even relatively low numbers of these pathogens. Senior author Nwadiuto Esiobu, PhD, noted that healthcare workers who are physically active and visit gyms should exercise caution to prevent potentially infecting vulnerable patients by thoroughly sanitizing their watches.