Going to the toilet with a smartphone or tablet has become a common habit nowadays, but according to scientists, it is very dangerous. This exposes you to the risk of infection by bacteria such as E. Coli or salmonella, which can do a lot of damage to your system. How, you ask? Dr. Lisa Ackerley has the answer.

“If you wipe your bum then pick up your phone, you may as well not bother washing your hands because all the bacteria you put on your phone will end up back on your hands,” she says.

So, what are we to do? According to Dr. Ron Cutler, not taking your phone into the restroom is the correct course of action. “Basically, you shouldn’t (take your phone into the toilet) if you’re concerned about virus transmission and fecal contamination.”

He also claims that the level of contamination varies depending on where the toilet is located – the office may not be a problem, but a public restroom considerably raises the danger of infection.

Viruses can be spread by different means, not just hands or air. Because a single spray from the toilet can reach six feet from the flush and end up on your toothbrush, it should be kept in a closed cupboard.

Germs can even survive on your phone for days! “Phones heat up a little bit giving bacteria a nice warm environment. If people handle sweets and leave a sticky coating on the phone, that’s an even better place for bacteria,” Dr. Cutler says. This is why it’s very important to wash your hands well with soap and water any time you’re using the bathroom.