Ben Milstead

From ananova.com

Some computer keyboards carry more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat, according to new research.  Consumer group which said tests at its London offices found equipment carrying bugs that could cause food poisoning.  Out of 33 keyboards swabbed, four were regarded as a potential health hazard and one harboured five times more germs than one of the office’s toilet seats.

A microbiologist ordered the worst 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, the research found.  Dr Wilson, a consultant microbiologist at University College London Hospital, said sharing a keyboard could be passing on illnesses among office workers.  “If you look at what grows on computer keyboards, and hospitals are worse, believe it or not, it’s more or less a reflection of what’s in your nose and in your gut,” he said.

“Should somebody have a cold in your office, or even have gastroenteritis, you’re very likely to pick it up from a keyboard.”

Which computing editor Sarah Kidner advised users to give their computer “a spring clean”.

“It’s quite simple to do and could prevent your computer from becoming a health hazard,” she said.