Science Reveals That Men's Beard Contain More Poo Than A Toilet Seat

According to microbiologists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, men's facial hair could actually be dirtier than a toilet seat because of the rancid bacteria that beards collect.

John Golobic, a microbiologist with Quest Diagnostics, swabbed a number of bearded men and analyzed the results to see how dirty the beards were. Dr. Golobic stated that while several beards contained normal bacteria, some contained so much poo they were comparable to toilets.

“I'm usually not surprised, and I was surprised by this,” said Dr. Golobic. “There would be a degree of uncleanliness that would be somewhat disturbing.”

Dr. Golobic suggested the key to a poo-free beard is washing your hands and a good old thorough face scrub, and resisting twirling your moustache like a Victorian gent.

“Try to keep your hands away from your face, as much as possible,” the doctor added.

The bacteria won't cause illness, but Dr. Golobic said that if the bacteria found in the beards were to be discovered in the water supply, the system would need to be shut down and disinfected.

Meanwhile, beards aren't the only thing found to be as dirty as a public restroom. Here’s other items found to be dirtier than a toilet seat.

ATMs: As dirty as a toilet seat, according to Time Magazine.

Cutting Boards: Up to 200 times more bacteria, according to Food & Wine.

Elevator Buttons: 40 times more bacteria, according to Infection Control Today.

Faucets: 21 times more bacteria, according to Reader's Digest.

Laundry: 100 times more E. Coli bacteria, according to WCVB-TV.

Money: 6.4 times more bacteria, according to Herald Sun.

Smartphones: 10 times more bacteria, according to Yahoo.

Sponges: 456 times more bacteria, according to Reader's Digest.

Toothbrushes: Absorbs all sorts of nasty bacteria looming in your bathroom, according to Men's Health.