Your Keyboard Is Dirtier Than A Toilet Seat

Craig · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 02:38 AM

Ok, some of you guys know this about me...but I'm a major germ-o-phobe and will never, ever use another person's keyboard and mouse at a LAN or in an electronics store. And although some of you think I am insane for being so amoeba-wise, read this story about just how gross a keyboard can be.

Quote:

Computer keyboards can harbour more harmful bacteria than a lavatory seat, it has been claimed.
Many users are at risk of becoming ill with stomach bugs, according to the consumer group Which?

It warned that 'qwerty tummy', named after the first six letters on a keyboard, could sweep through workplaces after tests on equipment in its own London offices showed alarming results.

One keyboard was so dirty that a microbiologist ordered it to be removed, quarantined and cleaned.

It had 150 times the acceptable limit for bacteria and was five times as filthy as a typical lavatory seat.

Anyone who eats a sandwich or piece of fruit having been tapping on such a keyboard can pick up bacteria that could lead to a stomach upset.

The scientist swabbed 33 keyboards for food poisoning bugs e.coli, coliforms, staphylococcus aureus and enterobacteria and compared the results to those found on a lavatory seat and lavatory door handle.

Four of the keyboards were considered a potential health hazard and one was "condemned".
Two had "warning levels" of staphylococcus aureus and two others had "worryingly elevated" levels of coliforms and enterobacteria, "putting users at high risk of becoming ill from contact".

Articles like this one just further solidify the fact that you are all a bunch of disgusting animals and that I should avoid catching your kooties by any means necessary.

K_Dog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 02:45 AM

Yea but...Dr Iforgethisname said on tv that we are getting too germ free these days and not building enough antibodies.

So when you think about it my dirty ass keyboard might just save the world someday.

Dopefish · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 02:47 AM

I wash my hands constantly throughout the day, anyway. I always wash before I prepare and eat food, as well. Other than throwing up earlier this week (due to being around too much cigarette smoke), I haven't been sick in over 2 years.

Wallpaper · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 03:05 AM

Craid wont want to be coming to my house then...

Bojingles · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 03:33 AM

That's it, I'm throwing this keyboard away, I needed a new one anyways.

dcikra · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 05:57 AM

I sanitize my keyboard frequently because of this fact, among other things like doorknobs/etc. I agree with the antibodies statement, but being good with hygiene is very important, and yeah not being sick in over 2 years is ftw.

DWall · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 07:58 AM

germs are good for you, i never do any of that sanitation crap you guys talk about, and i dont get sick very much so whats the fuss?

its your fault kids have allergies, eat some dirt everyone.

FrenchArbitor · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 08:15 AM

So should I stop practicing typing with my ass cheeks?

Gantua · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 08:36 AM

Actually its the dumb ass people who run to the Dr. every time they get a sniffle thinking they need an antibiotic that will get us all killed.

Was wondering what that green fuzzy stuff growing between my keys was.....

Maybe its just me but I don't know that many people who eat off their toilet seats. Common sense tells me that any toilet seat is going to be cleaner than a keyboard in any setting. Unless of course, you have one of those toilet seat keyboards....

Aznsharpshooter5 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 10:29 AM

I never sanitize my keyboard... but then again I almost never get sick. Even when I am sick I don't go to the doctors or take medication. Maybe I should start...