(Photo by Felipe Bustillo on Unsplash)
LONDON — You might want to think twice before going to the movies on date night. A new study reveals that movie theater seats are harboring thousands of bacteria colonies, including mold.
So just how bad is the problem? According to the UK-based study, commissioned by online casino Betway, movie theater seats and cup holders are breeding grounds for significantly more bacteria than the average toilet seat. The analysis, involving swab tests on these surfaces, aims to bring to light the microbial world thriving in the dark corners of movie theaters.
The research indicates a staggering presence of 1,864 bacteria colonies on an average movie theater seat, dwarfing the 135 colonies typically found on toilet seats by 14 times. This revelation suggests that the nearly 7.3 billion tickets expected to be sold in movie theaters worldwide in 2024 could contribute to an environment ripe for bacteria proliferation. The variation in cleanliness among different theaters and seat materials was noted, with the dirtiest seat harboring up to 3,000 colonies and the cleanest at just 80, making it considerably less contaminated than a toilet seat.
Perhaps more shocking is the discovery that cinema cup holders contain an average of 2,396 bacteria colonies, surpassing even the seats in germ count. This figure represents 18 times more bacteria than found on a standard toilet seat. The investigation also revealed the presence of mold in some cup holders, adding a layer of concern for moviegoers enjoying their favorite snacks.
The study didn't just quantify the bacteria but also identified the types most likely to be encountered. These include bacteria from mucus membranes, among others. While the presence of these microbes might unsettle some, it's important to note that most bacteria found are common in various environments and are generally harmless.
Bacteria found included:
- Staphylococcus spp/Micrococcus spp: This type of bacteria is found on human skin that make up the normal microbial flora.
- Bacillus spp: This type of bacteria is usually found in soil and water, and can also live on human skin. It is usually harmless, but can contaminate food and lead to food poisoning.
- Pseudomonas spp: This type of bacteria is found in water, soil and produce. It is known to mainly spread in medical setting when coming into contact with surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
- Mold: A fungal growth that forms and spreads on damp or decaying matter like old food.
Betway offers practical advice to ensure movie enthusiasts can continue enjoying their outings without taking home unwanted microbial souvenirs. Recommendations include washing hands immediately after returning home, changing clothes to avoid transferring bacteria to furniture, and regularly sanitizing personal items like phones and bags.
While the cinematic world offers a gateway to unparalleled storytelling and entertainment, it also inadvertently exposes patrons to a hidden microbial universe. By adopting simple hygiene practices, moviegoers can minimize their risk and focus on the magic of the movies, free from concern over the microscopic critters sharing their seat.
Methodology
Betway Casino conducted a scientific experiment to determine how much bacteria can be found at the movie theaters.
Betway swabbed five seats and five cupholders in five theaters across the United Kingdom and sent these off for testing at a microbiology laboratory. Betway also swabbed and tested three toilet seats for comparison.
The average number of bacteria colonies for movie theater seats, cup holders, and toilet seats was then calculated. The sample testing also revealed the main types of bacteria found on each area swabbed.
What about bed bugs hiding under the seats and coming out during a dark horror film?