Australian microbiologist proves that there are far fewer bacteria on the banknotes than is used to believe; this is especially true of money in the most developed countries, the Science Alert website said on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Frank Vriesekoop from the University of Ballarat in the Australian state of Victoria, nowhere in the world the amount of pathogenic bacteria on banknotes reaches levels dangerous to health.
The study involved microbiologists from universities and scientific institutions from 10 countries: Australia, Burkina Faso, Mexico, China, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, the USA and Great Britain. Scientists conducted a microbiological analysis of 1280 banknotes from shops and restaurants.
The level of the dirt layer on the banknote, and thus the amount of microorganisms on it, depends, of course, on the age of the money, but also on the material it is made of, says Dr. Vriesekoop. In most countries, cellulose is the primary material. There are fewer bacteria on banknotes made of plastic. Such materials were passed on, among others Australia and New Zealand.
Despite everything, scientists still advise that the hands with which we count bills should not touch food products (PAP)