How Dirty Is Your Money Really?
A few years ago, I was on a very awkward date with a man who had extreme fear of germs. I took some cash out of my cherry-colored tri-fold wallet to pay the bill and didn’t wash or sanitize my hands afterward. That sort of disgusted him.
The audacity! The guy didn’t pay the bill but started giving me a lecture on how dirty is money and how there are many types of bacteria on money. I ghosted him but the thought stayed with me. Where has your money been and how many weird and unhygienic adventures do these currency notes have to go through on a daily basis?
That’s what we are going to talk about in this article. We are going to delve deeper into the uncleanliness of currency notes and trust me, by the end of this, you will look at your wallet the same way you look at a public restroom. Let’s get your dirty money tracked.
What Germs Can You Get From Money?
Clean paper money doesn’t exist as long as you get a fresh bundle of money from the bank but even those fresh bundles have microbes in them. This only makes me wonder how filthy used currency can be and honestly, it could be dirtier than poop.
Bills and coins carry a range of microorganisms as they are touched by countless people. Ergo, touching contaminated currency exposes you to a variety of microorganisms, bugs, and pathogens. Here’s a quick list of all the nasty germs that can be found in your cash:
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1. Bacteria
If you are wondering things like how dirty is money and where has your money been, perhaps it has been to every nook and corner of the country you are living in. It could contain bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella.
Such bacteria on currency notes can cause problems like gastrointestinal issues, skin infections, and more severe illnesses if you ingest it or if they come into contact with open wounds. If you touch the contaminated cash, your pleasant day could into an unexpected visit to the doctor. Total buzzkill.
2. Viruses
It’s not possible to talk about viruses without mentioning the coronavirus. An ill person’s cold and flu can linger on cash if they’ve touched it after touching their nose or mouth. That’s why during the pandemic, money was also considered as a carrier of Covid-19. So, yes, coronavirus on money was a possible thing.
In fact, Studies showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on surfaces like plastic, money, and paper for different periods of time. Sometimes they can be found intact on surfaces for several days.
3. Fungi
Sometimes, fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also spread through germs on plastic money like credit/debit cards and money. That’s how gross is money and that’s why we all need to sanitize our hands after touching it. It’s less common as money is made of paper but it’s still possible.
4. Parasites
Only the dirtiest currency in the world harbors parasites. Occurrence of parasites is rare but there’s still a slight chance of finding parasitic eggs or larvae in your currency notes.
5. Other contaminants
You’ll find food residues, dirt, and other contaminants that will make you cringe. Someone must have used that dollar bill to clean their nails. What if someone wiped their mouth with it? You never know… the possibilities are endless.
How Many Germs Are On Money?
Now this one’s going to scare the bejesus out of you. You know how they say that money brings happiness? Well, that’s about to change! If studies are to be believed, your dollar bill could host around 3,000 harmless bacteria.
However, cash can also contain some harmful drug-resistant microbes. And nobody disinfects paper money either.
I know what your next question is going to be. Do banks clean money? No. Currency is not sterilized by banks or the Federal Reserve.
Is Money The Dirtiest Thing In The World?
One of the things you didn’t know about money is that it could be the dirtiest thing in the world. Research has found that 8% of credit cards and 6% of paper money had as much bacteria as the inside of a dirty toilet bowl. In simple words, currency notes contain fecal matter.
Another study found that $1 bills from a New York City bank contained hundreds of different types of microorganisms. The one found in abundance was acne-causing bacteria. The cash sitting in your wallet could be more responsible than your poor pizza and soda diet.
How Long Can Bacteria Live On Money?
Bacteria can survive for varying amounts of time as its survival mainly depends on what types of bacteria are living on each currency note. Studies have found that most viruses and bacteria last for 48 hours but it can still spread a live flu virus for up to 17 days.
Another thing to consider here is climate, temperature, and moisture. Bacteria usually dry out and die off more quickly when it’s colder outside. But when it is humid or damp, they can linger longer. You can’t disinfect paper money. Instead, wash your hands after touching them.
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How Dirty Are Money Coins?
When compared to other physical forms of payment like cash and cards, money coins are much cleaner. They have an average germ score of 136. That’s what research says.
This is still ten times higher than the score of a clean surface from which a person could theoretically eat. Also, dimes were found to be the dirtiest coins and quarters were the cleanest.
Conclusion: The Germs And Gunk In Your Money
So, exactly how dirty is money? From my research, it became quite clear that money isn’t exactly the cleanest thing I’ll encounter in my life. But one relief is that most of the germs and bacteria it contains are relatively harmless. Of course, you won’t get an STD from touching money but you could get coronavirus or any other flu. Hence, clean your hands or use a sanitizer after touching money as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
