Overview
- Times Now highlights studies reporting contamination on currency, including antibiotic‑resistant bacteria found on 13% of coins and 42% of notes.
- Explanations point to cotton‑based banknotes trapping moisture, sweat, food residue and dirt, which can help microbes persist on surfaces.
- Additional research cited includes US findings of drugs, yeast and fungi on cash and an Australian estimate of at least ten microbes per square centimetre.
- Experts recommend washing hands after handling money, using alcohol‑based sanitiser when needed, limiting face‑touching and opting for contactless payments, especially for food handlers.
- Hindustan Times and other outlets amplified a December video by microbiologist Dr. Shweta culturing fungi from a ₹50 note, with HT stating it has not independently verified the claims.