Scientist exposes hidden the bacteria all over your home
What looks clean on the surface may have some dirty little secrets.
An eye-opening TikTok has revealed the hidden bacteria covering everyday objects, with microbes invisible to the naked eye lurking on money, water fountains and even toilet seats.
Researcher Amani Abdlrasul works as a medical laboratory scientist in Tampa, Florida, and often shares gross knowledge with her 60,000 followers.
In one shocking clip, the researcher tested how much bacteria was on a $100 bill, finding it rife with Staphylococcus bacteria, which can cause skin infections, pneumonia, heart problems and sometimes bone and joint infections.
“I patted a $100 bill on blood agar and incubated it for 24 hours,” she explained in the video, which has been viewed over 1.7 million times.
“Some of the bacteria is Staphylococcus species. The creepy and slimy-looking ones I have no idea what they are. I’m ready for digital currency.”
In another alarming clip with 9 million views, the researcher tested a public toilet seat and found it contained E. coli growth.
“There’s no reason to panic unless you have an open wound,” she assured followers.
In another, she tested her iPhone screen, finding it contained more bacteria than she initially thought.
“I clearly need to take extreme cleaning measures,” Abdlrasul admitted.
While not everyone’s phones will contain Staphylococcus, she explained that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Wipe down your phones, you can never be too careful,” she advised.
Abdlrasul uses blood agar to run her tests, which is a medium used to test for bacteria or microbes that do not grow easily. She explained that even though her videos sound alarming, it’s not usually a reason to worry, and wants to use her platform to promote the importance of sanitation and general cleanliness.
“That’s why I want to put these videos out there,” she told the Daily Mail. “So people can be aware that if they see something dirty they’ll think ‘maybe I should notify someone so they can clear that up. Or not drink from it.’”
It’s not the first time a TikToker has uncovered the common germs that cover your home.
Earlier in the year, gut health expert Jordan Haworth revealed the 10 household items that have the most bacteria in a now-viral TikTok, claiming 70% of people aren’t cleaning commonly used objects enough.
Researchers found in a 2015 study that there are more than 9,000 different species of microbes, bacteria and fungi after they surveyed more than 1,200 households.
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