The study was done by a team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University. The study consisted of bands for the Apple Watch and other wearables made from rubber, cloth, leather, plastic, gold, and silver. The goal was to find a “between the material of the wristband and bacteria build-up.” Right off the bat, the study found that 95% of all bands were“ contaminated with some kind of dangerous bacteria.” The most common type of bacteria attracted by Apple Watch bands is Staphylococcus , which can cause staph infections, and it was found on 85% of bands. The researchers point out, however, that this “was not unexpected.” What researchers found more notable was the 30% prevalence of pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of germ that the CDC says can cause pneumonia, infections in the blood, and more. Researchers also pointed out that 60% of wearables tested contained E. coli bacteria. Samples were obtained from rubber, plastic, metal, cloth, and leather wristbands. The highest total counts were found on rubber and plastic wristbands, while the lowest was from metal and rubber wristbands. Plastic and rubber wristbands may provide a more appropriate environment for bacterial growth; many plastics have been shown to act as substrates for S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Porous and static surfaces tend to attract and be colonized by bacteria. Metal and Leather bands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton upcycled apple watch bands made for bags have the least count and creates no breeding ground for bacteria at all.
Anaghe Atelier Design Studio suggest using Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 70% Ethanol, and Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar were tested on the wristbands of different materials. PBS was used as a control because it lacks antimicrobial properties and prevents osmotic lysis unrelated to chemical disinfectants. All disinfectants tested reduced bacterial counts to 0 cfu/mL within 30 seconds for cloth and rubber wristbands, whereas a full 2-minute exposure was required for apple cider vinegar (ACV) to reduce bacterial counts to 0 cfu/mL on the plastic wristbands. The COVID-19 pandemic places special emphasis on regular sanitation and disinfecting of surfaces that come into contact with body mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose, and mouth). Oftentimes, basic sanitization and disinfection of surfaces are not practiced as a result of perceived difficulties and ignorance of their processes; most notably, types of disinfectants that may be used, cost of disinfectants, recommended usage times, and concerns over chemicals involved in popular disinfectants.
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