A study found a surprising amount of bacteria living on money.
Many of these microbes matched those found on human hands, mouths, and even vaginas, ABC News reported.
"We are finding viable bacteria that can be taken from paper currency," said Jane Carlton, the lead investigator of the study and director of genome sequencing at NYU's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, told ABC. "That means that money could function as a form of transmission."
The researchers found the flu virus was prevalent on the tested money, especially in the wintertime during flu season. This finding suggests currency could act as a vessel to spread contagions such as the flu, especially during the most vulnerable seasons of the year.
The team found less dangerous bacteria on the money samples as well, such as microbes that are found in acne.
One of the most concerning findings was the presence of antibiotic resistant genes such as MRSA, ABC reported.
"We're not trying to be fear mongers, or suggest that everyone goes out and microwave their money," Jane Carlton, biologist and study leader of the Dirty Money Project at the New York University, told NPR. "But I must admit that some of the $1 bills in New York City are really nasty."
The team found traces of anthrax DNA on the samples, but doesn't believe it to be a red flag, NPR reported,
"Anthrax is a very common bacteria in soil," Carlton said. "People who work with soil, like farmers, are often exposed to it. It's only when anthrax is weaponized and sent through the mail that it causes those issues."
A possible solution to the problem could be to change the material money is made from. Canada has started printing their currency on polymer film, which could grow less bacteria than other materials, NPR reported.
