Scientists find cellphones pick up more filth than expected

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Cellphones pick up signals but also a lot of dirt. It's shocking to discover just how much filth can be found on mobile devices.

Researchers said some smartphones have more germs than a toilet seat. They pick up bacteria and fungus from surroundings and hands.

Scientists in New York used swabs to measure phone filth. "It includes maybe food stuff, skin, you know, any skin flakes, bacteria, mold, fungus. Anything like that is gonna show up in these numbers," environmental scientist Sheri Carlino said.

Researchers said ways to avoid filth are to wipe down cellphones regularly, not let others use personal devices, and not to hold phones too close to faces.