A new UK wide study has revealed that one in six mobile phones in Britain is contaminated with E-Coli with faecal matter origin. The research found that 16% of phones and 16% of hands tested harboured E-Coli, a bacterium which inhabits the human intestines and causes gastric infections.

Faecal matter can survive on hands and surfaces such as mobile phones for hours at a time and can easily be spread through touching commonly used surfaces such as printer buttons, keyboards, mice and door handles.

Stewart Anderson, VP of Marketing at Durable UK commented: “We have already seen from the massive response we get from Computer Cleaning Month in September that people are genuinely concerned about the effects that bacteria lurking on their technology can have. This new research is shocking and demonstrates the importance of effective hygiene practices. It is critical that businesses offer their employees and customers a practical way of protecting themselves to help the combat the spread of illness. By introducing simple measures such as cleaning wipes and antibacterial hand gel, the risk of potential germs is virtually eliminated.”