A team of microbiologists are warning commuters in the capital not to do their make-up on the Tube after ‘poo bacteria’ was found lurking on the lines.
Putting your face on while on-the-go is a necessity for many who are stretched for time in the mornings.
But before you reach for that mascara or foundation brush, beware.
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According to new research, those in the Big Smoke need to be extra vigilant, reports Need To Know.
The study involved swabbing poles and seats across 12 lines, as well as three escalator handrails in busy stations.
And the results were, well, kind of gross.
Over 16,000 colony-forming units of E.coli were discovered on the Victoria line seats.
The Metropolitan line is the worst offender – with traces of faecal streptococci (poo bacteria) discovered.
These bacterias can cause serious infection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, can cause severe eye infections.
Symptoms include pain and redness, discharge, blurry vision, photophobia and ulcers.
The bacteria was spotted on Oxford Circus’ escalator handrail – and on the Metropolitan, Northern and Waterloo & City lines.
Other infections include conjunctivitis and in more rare, serious cases, endophthalmitis, which can cause irreversible sight loss if not tended to right away.
To minimise risk, always carry hand sanitiser to scrub away any gunk and try to avoid doing a full face of glam.
Jason Tetro, a long-term microbiologist and immunologist, said: “There is little doubt that public transport is flooded with germs.
“If we could see them, I’m sure people would not be applying their makeup and other cosmetics.
“There are two risks at play.
“The first is the contamination of the cosmetics themselves with unsafe hands.
“This can lead to the introduction of unwanted microbes on the skin such as bacteria that cause cellulitis, impetigo and acne.
“Then there is the risk of putting unsafe hands in the mouth to aid the application of makeup.
“[…] there is an easy answer to lower this risk – application of hand sanitiser.
“Using 62%-70% ethanol for 20 seconds of wetness will remove the majority of bacteria and other pathogens allowing you to safely administer cosmetics.”
The study by Vision Direct, a contact lens supplier, also looked at air pollution levels, with particulate matter above 50 micrograms per cubic metre cause for concern.
Findings show that on the Central and Jubilee line, there were 125 and 124/2 micrograms respectively.
To protect the eyes, Vision Direct advises avoiding rubbing them, using hydrating eye drops before and after travelling, as well as using daily contact lenses instead of glasses.
While you’re at it, you might want to clean those make-up brushes, too.
Photos from a previous study, this one conducted by Aventus Clinic, shows the bacteria that lurks under the microscopic surface.
Out of 12 brushes tested, 11 were found to be dirtier than your average toilet seat, with eyeshadow and blusher tools the worst offenders.
Third on the list of most bacterial make-up was lipgloss – if you’ve been using the same one for a few months (or, shock horror, years), then it’s time to invest in a new bottle.
Overall, 4364 colonies of yeast and bacteria were found across all items tested.
Each set of images shows the product tested and a vial with the level of mould and yeast, and a second vial with the bacteria.
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