Are Your Office Supplies Making You Sick?

Would you be surprised to find out that your computer keyboard harbors more bacteria and germs than a toilet seat? According to a study that compared swabs from keyboards and toilets, one keyboard had 5 times the amount of bacteria on it than a toilet did, and over 150 times the pass limit of bacteria. Apparently eating at desks was the main cause of the problem, and it makes sense. Any crumbs that fall from a sandwich or snack food and get lodged beneath the keys of a keyboard will sit there, potentially grow mold, and produce other colonies of bacteria. The article also reports that poor hygiene such as not washing hands after using the bathroom was a contender.

Have you ever tipped your keyboard over and given it a good shake? The amount of crumbs and dust that falls out may alarm you. Ways to prevent your keyboard from becoming a germ magnet include being sure to shake it or use condensed air to clean it frequently (more than once a month), try to avoid eating or drinking at your computer if you can, and, keyboard cleanliness aside, always wash your hands after using the bathroom.

Your keyboard isn’t the only item that could be making you sick. Check your mouse as well. It can collect crumbs underneath, and just think of how much time your hand spends touching it. It never hurts to wipe things down with a slightly damp cloth. You can even use your own homemade cleaning products!

Beyond your office supplies, your office building may harbor molds, mildew, or other hazardous chemicals from drapery, carpets, or office equipment. To help prevent Sick Building Syndrome, try installing a HEPA air filtration system, or consult your business building’s management to discuss the air quality efforts in place.