Peoria Standard

Health professionals are raising concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged toilet sitting while using cell phones. Many individuals have developed a habit of taking their phones into the bathroom and engaging with social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram during their time there.

Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist registered nurse at OSF HealthCare, advises against bringing phones into the bathroom altogether. She highlights that moisture in bathrooms, especially those with showers and bathtubs, can promote the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on all surfaces.

Heinz describes these environments as a "breeding ground" for germs. She explains, “With sitting and scrolling, you're sitting there for long periods. Your hands are probably dirty before you go to the bathroom because you're typically not washing your hands before you go to the bathroom. Then when you're sitting on the toilet, you're probably setting your phone down on a surface area that has germs," Heinz says. "Then you'll wash your hands, which you'll typically think your hands are clean, but they're not. Then you wash your hands and pick up the phone that was on the surface with germs, and now your hands are dirty again. And you're picking up the germs, taking them elsewhere, and spreading them to other people.”

Heinz also suggests reconsidering where toothbrushes are stored in bathrooms. If left exposed on counters, they may become contaminated with fecal matter.

Additionally, she recommends closing toilet lids before flushing to contain germs and prevent them from dispersing throughout the room.