The recent report (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/may/01/computing.health) that a tiny (33 samples) UK microbiological study for 'Which' magazine has revealed that some (around 4) computer keyboards in a London office had higher levels of bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) than a toilet seat and a toilet door handle in the same location, produced a small panic attack in my office. The study is hardly conclusive or wide ranging (perhaps the toilet seat was remarkably clean?) but does emphasize that a wide range of practices encourage the thriving of potential disease-causing agents on keyboards. Apparently, most people don't clean their keyboards on a regular basis (1 in 10 in a sample of 4000 questioned said they never did this), allowing bug-friendly dust and moisture to accumulate. Many neerdic folk also apparently drop crumbs from their lunch between the keys, feeding the 'not so friendly' bacteria. Even worse, some people don't wash their hands before returning to the keyboard, transferring coliform (those associated with faecal matter) bacteria to the keys! The study helpfully suggested that concerned folk use an approved computer cleaning fluid on an unplugged accessory rather than place the keyboard in a dishwasher (an urban myth). Now, where's that sandwich?
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