Bacteria on banknotes

Money is perhaps the most touched item and a major source of germ accumulation. China uses the Yuan, Mexico uses the Pesos, the United Kingdom uses Pounds. However, Nigeria does not use Euros as stated; it uses Naira. The United States, Australia, and New Zealand use Dollars.

Although many countries use different kinds of banknotes, they all have one thing in common: "Germs on banknotes." Bacteria on banknotes can stay with you as long as you use them.

Studies on microbes on banknotes have been conducted for a long time and found that some of these microbes can cause diseases. While most bacteria are harmless, there have been banknotes found with E.coli, a bacterium that naturally exists in the large intestines of humans and animals. Consuming food contaminated with this bacterium can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses. What we call "paper money" is not actually made of paper but is usually printed on cotton.

Different countries use different materials made of many bonded molecules, which can be in liquid, solid, or semi-solid forms. Banknotes from three countries that have been found to have fewer bacteria are made of polymer. Those three countries are Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. This suggests that germs are less likely to survive on polymer surfaces. Under a microscope, the surface of a polymer banknote appears smoother than that of cotton, making it harder for germs to stick.

A single banknote can carry over 26,000 bacteria, posing risks of illnesses, especially diarrhea and pneumonia. Properly washing hands with soap and water can reduce the mortality rate from diarrhea by 50% and from pneumonia by 25%, as mentioned by Dr. Saengsom Sinavatan, Director of Health Advisory.

A study from Oxford University in the UK indicates that an average banknote carries around 26,000 bacteria.

Given that banknotes are passed through many hands, these bacteria can be plentiful enough to cause nausea, vomiting, and even spread diseases.

UNICEF data shows that every year, 3.5 million children under the age of 5 die from diarrhea and about 2 million from pneumonia. Research has shown that proper hand washing with soap and water can reduce the mortality rate from diarrhea by 50% and from pneumonia by 25%.

In Thailand, a 2009 survey on hand-washing habits revealed that only 61% of people washed their hands before eating. And even though 87% washed their hands after using the toilet, 41% only used plain water. This suggests that Thais don't give as much importance to washing hands with soap as they should. Efforts must be increased to prevent and reduce the rate of diseases, especially diarrhea.

Stay safe, stay germ-free. Don't forget to wash your hands.

Best wishes from Vibhavadi Hospital.