EMFSA News Bites March 2026 highlights – ESKAPE and HACEK – What do these terms mean and what has it got to do with your mobile phones, tablets and laptops?

Discover more: EMFSA News Bites March 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Wi-Fi 9

Wi-Fi 8 is still in development but what about Wi-Fi 9 and the role of AI? When is Wi-Fi 9 expected?

Enhanced Light Communications Meets Wi-Fi 9

An emerging IEEE 802.11 amendment focused on Enhanced Light Communications (ELC). What are the implications and the target deployment?

60 GHz and Oxygen

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems

A recent study raises questions about electronic article surveillance—details in our March newsletter. For instance, what does the study below demonstrate?

Citation: Schneeweiss, P., Hirtl, R., Jhala, T., Ueberbacher, R., Cecil, S., Becker, C., Boemmels, I., Altekoester, C., & Schmid, G. (2026). Electric field strengths and current densities induced inside the body due to exposure to electronic article surveillance (EAS) system antennas compared to ICNIRP’s exposure limits (Accepted manuscript). Journal of Radiological Protection  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6498/ae553b

Peer Review

Is Peer Review Perfect?

Is peer review always a guarantee of scientific claims?

Image adapted from photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Asbestos in cosmetic talc

An article published in 1977 argued against government-mandated regulatory testing for asbestos in cosmetic talc. The Lancet has now retracted the article for undisclosed industry ties. Full article by Retraction Watch

Childhood Leukemia

From 8–10 July 2026, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) will host the 8th International Workshop on the Causes of Childhood Leukemia in Munich.

The event is part of a workshop series that aims to advance understanding of the disease’s primary drivers by bringing together international experts to review evidence, share new data, and define priority research directions.

https://events.bfs-strahlenschutz.de/workshopchildhoodleukemia

EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter – The misuse of “natural health” claims

This is important because:

The appeal to “natural” or “health-enhancing” properties can be misleading—and, in this case, hazardous when it involves radioactive substances. Read more about this case in the EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Related:

Anti- 5G/EMF Protection: Quantum jewellery https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/anti-5g-emf-protection-quantum-jewellery/

The post EMFSA News Bites March 2026 appeared first on EMFSA.

Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease are increasingly recognised as a public health concern, particularly as their use extends into high-risk environments such as bathrooms. These devices function as fomites—objects capable of carrying and transmitting bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Common examples include doorknobs, clothing, medical equipment, and frequently used electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and pens, all of which are handled regularly and often inadequately disinfected.

Pathogens such as norovirus can survive for prolonged periods on surfaces, enabling indirect transmission between environments and individuals.

Microbial Contamination

A 2025 study by Olsen et al. identified over 2,200 microbial species on mobile phones, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Clinically significant organisms such as ESKAPE (antibiotic-resistant pathogens) and HACEK (associated with infective endocarditis and other infections) were detected.

The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors highlights the potential for mobile devices to act as reservoirs of clinically relevant microbes.

Hygiene and Transmission

Mobile devices are handled continuously yet infrequently disinfected, allowing microbes to transfer between hands, surfaces, and the face. This creates a cycle of contamination through repeated handling and contact.

These risks are further amplified by behavioural patterns, particularly smartphone use in high-contamination environments.

Behavioural Risk: Toilet Use

Smartphone use on the toilet is increasingly common and associated with prolonged sitting time. Research suggests this behaviour may increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to sustained pressure, while also increasing exposure to contaminated surfaces and aerosolised particles.

Children and Vulnerable Groups

Photo by Jill Sauve on Unsplash

The role of mobile phones as vectors of infectious disease is particularly relevant in households with young children. While concerns often focus on radiation exposure, blue light, and screen addiction, an equally important issue is microbial transfer.

Caregivers should be aware that mobile phones can harbour and transfer bacteria even after handwashing. This creates a cycle of recontamination, where clean hands come into contact with contaminated devices, potentially increasing exposure risks for children whose immune systems are still developing.

Limitations and Public Health Implications

Current evidence demonstrates contamination but does not establish direct causation of disease. Further research is required to quantify risk and inform policy. Development of hygiene guidelines—particularly in healthcare and public settings—may be warranted.

Practical Advice

Regular cleaning of mobile devices using appropriate disinfectants, limiting use in high-risk environments, and increasing awareness are practical steps to reduce risk.

Conclusion

Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease represent an under-recognised pathway for microbial transmission. Improved hygiene practices and behavioural awareness are essential to mitigate potential public health risks.
These findings demonstrate that mobile phones can act as mobile reservoirs of microbial life, effectively functioning as “petri dishes” that facilitate indirect spread and transmission across geographical boundaries.

Your phone is covered in germs: a tech expert explains how to clean it without doing damage

References

Further reading: Study explores a concerning link between digital screen time and breast cancer risk https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/study-explores-a-concerning-link-between-digital-screen-time-and-breast-cancer-risk/

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