Do you take your mobile phone to the toilet? Here’s why you should not | – Times of India

It has become increasingly common for people to carry their mobile phones with them wherever they go, including one place they should not be taking it: the toilet. While the convenience of having a smartphone at our fingertips is undeniable, there are compelling reasons to reconsider this habit. Let’s understand why one should not take their mobile phone to the toilet.

Contamination is the biggest risk

Pathogenic contamination is the obvious reason why you should avoid carrying your mobile phone to the washroom.One of the foremost concerns when it comes to taking your mobile phone to the toilet is hygiene. Bathrooms, particularly public restrooms, are hotbeds for germs and bacteria. When you bring your smartphone into this environment, it becomes exposed to these microorganisms, which can then transfer to your hands and face when you use the phone afterward. Studies have shown that mobile phones can harbor a multitude of bacteria, including potentially harmful pathogens.Not just this, there is another potential risk which is cross-contamination. Carrying your phone into the bathroom increases the risk of cross-contamination. For example, if you use your phone while on the toilet and then touch the flush handle or door latch without washing your hands thoroughly, you can transfer fecal matter and bacteria onto these surfaces. Subsequently, the next person to touch these surfaces may unknowingly come into contact with these contaminants.

No, it won’t help even if you clean your phone regularly

Now, one would argue that if we clean our mobile phones every time we use them in the toilet. Mobile phones are notorious for being difficult to clean properly, as moisture or cleaning agents can potentially damage sensitive electronic components. This makes it challenging to maintain good hygiene when you routinely bring your phone into the bathroom, where cleaning may be necessary more often than in other areas of your home or workplace.

Taking your phone to the toilet can encourage prolonged sitting on the toilet bowl, which may lead to various health issues. Extended periods of sitting can increase the risk of hemorrhoids, as the pressure on the rectal area rises. Moreover, sitting for extended durations while using your smartphone can contribute to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems over time.
Using your mobile phone in the bathroom can divert your attention from your body’s natural functions. This distraction can lead to irregular bowel movements and even constipation, as you may not be fully aware of the signals your body is sending. Over time, this may negatively impact your digestive health.