WARNING: Cash May Be Harmful to Your Health

Germs and microorganisms are giving a new meaning to the term “dirty money.” Studies confirm that some banknotes are contaminated with microorganisms that can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections, besides skin burn and septicaemic infection. Even worse, some were found to carry germs that could lead to tuberculosis, meningitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, peptic ulcers, genital tract infections, gastroenteritis, throat infections and lung abscesses. The banknotes can infect the body through scratches on the hands or when the hand touches the mouth or nose. Particularly dangerous are notes that have seen better days: damaged or soiled and held together with bits of sticky tape. Moisture can easily penetrate these dilapidated bills and the adhesive substance from sticky tape provides an ideal breeding environment for the germs.

To prevent infection from contaminated cash, wash hands immediately after handling banknotes with warm water and soap. Or disinfect hands with antibacterial hand sanitizers. And never touch your mouth, nose and eyes especially when you don’t know where those hands came from.