Horrified microbiologists examining the cleanliness of Poland’s popular parcel collection points have found disturbing numbers are covered in fungi, bacteria and even feces.
The grim discovery was made after a team from the Medical University of Lublin, eastern Poland, examined 64 parcel machines in 16 of the city's largest districts and discovered over 10,000 contaminating samples.
These included potentially harmful pathogens to humans such as aerobic bacilli, and opportunistic bacteria, which can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
The highest contamination was recorded in districts inhabited by the largest number of people.
Laboratory tests on swabs taken from the parcel points also revealed allergenic fungal spores and viruses such as flu.
A Medical University press release said: “Parcel machines have gained incredible popularity in recent years and have become one of the most frequently used delivery methods by Poles.
“According to the latest reports, Poland ranks first in terms of the total number of parcel machines among European Union countries and second globally, right after China.
“We often use the surfaces of touch screens and buttons of these devices, leaving bacteria, fungi and viruses from our skin or respiratory tract on them.
“In some cases, these may also be microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic to humans.”
The researchers added that after using a collection point, it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands.
These included potentially harmful pathogens to humans such as aerobic bacilli, and opportunistic bacteria, which can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
The highest contamination was recorded in districts inhabited by the largest number of people.
Laboratory tests on swabs taken from the parcel points also revealed allergenic fungal spores and viruses such as flu.
A Medical University press release said: “Parcel machines have gained incredible popularity in recent years and have become one of the most frequently used delivery methods by Poles.
“According to the latest reports, Poland ranks first in terms of the total number of parcel machines among European Union countries and second globally, right after China.
“We often use the surfaces of touch screens and buttons of these devices, leaving bacteria, fungi and viruses from our skin or respiratory tract on them.
“In some cases, these may also be microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic to humans.”
The researchers added that after using a collection point, it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands.
Source: WP Wiadomosci
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