Is your handbag putting your health at risk?

by FSP Health team, 17 May 2013

“It's my life!” Surprisingly, it's not their spouse that many women refer to when they give this answer - it's the handbags that they cart around with them all day. Now, you may want to touch your handbag a little less thanks to the handbag health risks a new study's revealed…

If you’re a germ-phobe, you probably wish you could wear a mask and surgical gloves when you’re out in public.

That may get you funny looks, but the latest research shows it may not be a bad idea – especially when it comes to your handbag.

Here’s why you should regularly scrub down the handle and bottom of your handbag

Because tests have shown that one in five handbag handles is home to sufficient bacteria to pose a risk to human health, says IOL Lifestyle.

In fact, most handbags are contaminated with more bacteria than the average toilet.

The most bacteria-riddled handbags?

Leather ones, as the spongy texture provides the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow and spread, says Woai.

One way to minimise this health risk is to regularly clean your handbags with antibacterial wipes or gel to prevent cross-contamination, says IOL Lifestyle.

But it’s also a good idea to make sure you regularly wash your hands to reduce your risk of infection, says FSP Health.

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent any form of infection!

To wash your hands properly, make sure you wash them with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds to eliminate germs on the hands.

Then remember to also wash your hands each time you’re about to eat, to make sure your hands are clean and that you’re not transferring any germs you’ve come into contact with – whether from your handbag, your desk or the person you just shook hands with – straight into your mouth.

It’s the only way to ensure you’re not letting germs into your system, where they can cause havoc with your health.

Tags: handbag, handbag health risks, washing your hands, infection

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