Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling

Some cultures have an inherently high awareness (or paranoia depending on your perspective) of bacteria and its perceived consequences, writes Jan Chipchase, "These photos are taken in carrier shops in Seoul, South Korea - where you can irradiate, air-brush, wipe and scent your phone."

Our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria, LG Telecom stated in 2004 and accordingly, the mobile operator decided to provide customers with free cleaning service to raise brand awareness and take care of customers' health by getting rid of dirt stuck in slits, killing bacteria, disinfecting and providing anti-bacterial coating.

In the Western world, hygiene has not yet been an issue with consumers, but has very much been a concern in hospitals where mobile phones used by healthcare personnel are known to spread dangerous infectious agents.

Related:

-- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs - Taking their cue from the South Koreans, Motorola has created a next-generation germ-resistant multimedia phone. The company's i870 mobile device, which boasts MP3 player, video recording, GPS and two-way radio functions, also protects against bacteria with silver ion technology from Agion Technologies

-- Is Your Handset Clean? - Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system" presented at Expo Comm Wireless Korea 2005.

-- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004.

-- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities.

-- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August.

emily | 7:03 PM | Health Issues and SMS Alerts |
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