A small experiment conducted at the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology revealed that each gram of paper money contains over 200 million aerobic bacteria and a significant number of gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, the bacterial count on metal coins is hundreds of thousands of times lower.
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Paper money retains bacteria more easily than polymer money |
There is one item that people know is very dirty yet cannot avoid carrying: money. However, most of us are unaware of just how dirty our currency truly is.
Experts have measured the bacterial load and found that one gram of paper money can contain up to 210 million aerobic bacteria (which can only thrive in the presence of air) and 32,000 gram-negative bacteria. In comparison, two coins only harbor 470 aerobic bacteria and no gram-negative bacteria (possibly because the environment of coins is not conducive for their growth). Additionally, the coins are also home to many Bacillus bacteria, which exist in the air and primarily cause gastrointestinal diseases.
Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, Deputy Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, stated that cotton paper money is the dirtiest due to its high absorbent properties, which retain bacteria significantly. In cash storage areas awaiting destruction, mold starts to proliferate within just a few days, and the money emits a foul odor. Polymer money and coins are cleaner as they are less absorbent, providing fewer conditions for bacteria to thrive and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
The State Bank of Vietnam regularly exchanges old money for the public. However, the standards for exchanging are very low, applicable only to bills that are nearly unusable, such as those that are torn, heavily marked, or stained. The public also lacks the habit of exchanging old money due to psychological barriers and the distance between banks and most people, especially the poor, which remains considerable.
How to Keep Money Cleaner?
Dr. Binh Minh mentioned that public health experts typically disinfect using certain chemicals and ultraviolet light. However, this is quite impractical for money, as it is always in circulation and never stays in one place. According to Ms. Minh, disinfection should be done periodically at banks that issue and circulate cash. However, given the vast amounts of money, this is very challenging to implement. Therefore, the best practice is for individuals to wash their hands with soap after handling money.
