Do you wash your hands after using the computer? Probably not. Well, you should, especially if it was a shared office computer you just used, or worse, those "communal" ones in the internet cafe. A recent study has suggested that some computer keyboards have more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat!

I was reading through some archived pages of my favorite news website when I stumbled upon this report. A consumer group from England said tests at its London offices found equipment carrying germs that could cause food poisoning. Out of 33 keyboards swabbed, four were regarded as a potential health hazards. Moreover, during tests
conducted earlier this year, a microbiologist deemed one of the office's keyboards to be so dirty he ordered it to be removed, quarantined and cleaned. It had 150 times the recommended limit for bacteria - five times as filthy as a lavatory seat tested at the same time. Another research by the University of Arizona last year found the average office desktop contained 400 times more bacteria than the average office toilet seat!

That is disgusting! We all know for a fact that PC keyboard are potential sources of germs but to learn that some might even be worse that a toilet is horrible. For people using their own personal PC, you're probably safe. However, an extra dose of cleanliness won't hurt a bit. Now, just thinking about my next trip to the internet cafe makes me squirm!

Experts say that the most common culprit are food crumbs lodged underneath and between the keys, encouraging the growth of bacteria. Users eating their meals while busily typing at the keys are to blame for this. I am guilty of this, sometimes. I am sure many bloggers are, as well, though they won't admit it. And, with more and more time dedicated to online activities, this problem will only get worse if we don't change our habits. Another culprit is poor personal hygiene (duh).

The solution? Nothing but basic cleanliness. Vacuum, dust, brush off and do whatever you should to shake food crumbs off that keyboard. Disinfecting periodically is recommended, too. And always keep a small bottle of sanitizing gel handy.

I wonder what some people with germ phobia (there are many out there) will do after reading this? Gloves, anyone?

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