Currency notes full of harmful bacteria

Findings of a Khulna University research that notes of currency and even coins contain harmful bacteria to an alarming proportion have caused raised eyebrows. A national Bangla daily has reported that the research found presence of bacteria and germs in coins and notes of Bangladesh Taka collected from those who are engaged in exchanging them daily. For her study on 'Bacterial Contamination on Paper Money and Coins of Khulna City Area', an Environment Science student of the university, Nishat Tasnim collected notes and coins from 15 different sources.

As high as 2,670 escherichia coli (e. coli) bacteria were found on the notes received from meat sellers, 2,600 e.coli on notes from fish sellers, and 2,300 e.coli bacteria on notes from chicken sellers. Presence of e.coli bacteria exceeding 1,000 is considered 'very risky for human health. Notes and coins collected from other sources also contained bacteria, though the amount was just less than 1,000. However, such findings should make us alert about cleanliness. As we can't avoid using currency notes, we must wash our hands after touching or holding them.

There are people around us who touch tongue with fingers while counting notes. Bus drivers' assistants are often seen holding notes with lips. We see street food sellers touching notes and serving foods with the same hand simultaneously. There is every chance that foods would be contaminated with germs on account of all such unhealthy practices. Minimum use of cash may be an option for maintaining hygiene. Still, cleanliness and massive awareness about possible contamination are important for a healthy social life.

AB Siddik

Pirganj, Rangpur