Almost everyone is guilty of taking their phone to the bathroom. Whether you are scrolling through social media or catching up on work emails, using your phone on the toilet has become a common habit.

In fact, a recent study found that 75% of Americans admitted to using their phone while in the bathroom.

However, using your phone on the toilet can have some disgusting consequences. In this article, we will explore the gross truth about using your phone in the bathroom and why you should avoid this bad habit.

1. Germ Infestation

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in our homes. The toilet bowl itself can contain millions of bacteria, including E. coli, streptococcus, and staphylococcus.

When you use your phone on the toilet, you are exposing it to these germs and increasing your risk of infection.

A study conducted by London Metropolitan University found that phones can harbor up to 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom. This is because phones are continually touched and rarely cleaned, making them a prime breeding ground for germs.

2. Cross-Contamination

Using your phone on the toilet can also lead to cross-contamination between different surfaces. For example, if you set your phone down on the sink or counter while using the restroom, it can transfer bacteria from the toilet to these surfaces.

Even worse, if you don’t wash your hands after using the restroom, you can transfer germs from your phone to other people or surfaces. This can lead to the spread of illnesses such as the flu, colds, and stomach viruses.

3. Harmful Radiation

Several studies have suggested that using your phone on the toilet can increase your exposure to harmful radiation. This is because the phone is in close proximity to your body and can emit electromagnetic radiation.

Although the amount of radiation emitted by a phone is typically low, the World Health Organization has classified cell-phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans.

This means that prolonged exposure to phone radiation could potentially increase your risk of cancer.

4. Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Using your phone on the toilet can also lead to physical complications such as constipation and hemorrhoids. When you spend an extended period sitting on the toilet, you put pressure on your rectum and inhibit proper bowel movements.

This can lead to constipation and discomfort.

Furthermore, sitting on the toilet for extended periods can cause hemorrhoids to develop. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in your rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed, causing itching, bleeding, and pain.

By spending too much time on the toilet, you increase your risk of developing this painful condition.

5. Getting Distracted

Finally, using your phone on the toilet can distract you from completing your bathroom routine effectively.

When you are distracted by your phone, you may forget to wipe properly or neglect to wash your hands thoroughly, increasing your risk of infection.

Furthermore, spending too much time on the toilet can also lead to more significant medical issues such as fecal impaction. Fecal impaction occurs when stool becomes stuck in the rectum and cannot be expelled naturally.

This can lead to severe pain and bowel obstruction.

Conclusion

While using your phone on the toilet may seem like a harmless habit, it can have some disgusting and harmful effects on your health.

From germs and radiation to physical complications such as constipation and hemorrhoids, using your phone on the toilet is not worth the risk. Instead, focus on completing your bathroom routine efficiently and effectively, and leave your phone in another room.