Deadly superbugs found on paper money and plastic cards

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The credit company LendEDU, USA, and experts from the website money.co.uk checked how dirty money and plastic cards really are. As it turned out, deadly superbacteria were found on them.

The study tested various types of surfaces based on their microbial index – the higher the number, the dirtier the sample. As it turned out, some plastic cards had up to 1,206 units compared to items in restaurants, which should have a score of 10 or less. Even a subway pole turned out to be cleaner than cash in this regard.

In the following analysis, experts examined three denominations of banknotes and coins in circulation in the UK. The results showed that up to 78% of them were covered with various bacteria. Two of them are antibiotic-resistant superbugs, named by the World Health Organization as a major threat.

Experts also noted a dangerous trend in terms of people not washing their hands after visiting the toilet, especially in public places. It is in this room that you can pick up the pathogen. Scientists from the University of Oxford also concluded that a regular banknote can contain more than 26,000 types of bacteria, including E. coli.

To minimize health risks, experts advise wiping plastic cards with specialized products. Use non-cash payments whenever possible. Follow hygiene rules.