Bacteria on Paper Money: How Long They Survive, Warns Doctor.

How Dirty Money Affects Your Health

According to Espreso.tv: Pediatric infectious disease specialist Anna Gritsenko has highlighted the level of contamination found on banknotes, their potential health risks, and the critical role of hand hygiene. She notes that paper currency can harbor tens of thousands of bacteria on its surface, including E. coli, a common contaminant. These microbes can survive on bills for anywhere from a few days to several weeks, while norovirus may persist for weeks as well.

Hand Hygiene as a Key to Staying Healthy

Although cash is often considered one of the dirtiest items people handle daily, Gritsenko emphasizes that the actual risk of infection from touching money remains low. She points out that gastrointestinal infections are not caused by the money itself, but by poor hand hygiene.

“The most common transmission route is fecal-oral,” the doctor added.

Gritsenko advises against cleaning or washing banknotes with antiseptics. In contrast, smartphones and credit cards can be even dirtier than cash but are safe to disinfect. She stresses that norovirus is a leading cause of vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Consistent personal hygiene—especially frequent handwashing—remains the most effective way to prevent infections.

This information is especially relevant during a pandemic and heightened health awareness. In everyday life, where cash is still widely used, understanding these risks and how to reduce them can help protect health, particularly for vulnerable groups like young children. Proper hand cleaning and basic hygiene practices continue to be essential in the fight against infectious diseases.