Germs: we can’t see them, but we know they’re there and have the potential to harm us. But are we too obsessed with them?

A new report by the University of Arizona has revealed that lift buttons harbour nearly 40 times as many germs as a public toilet seat.

This is not the first study into the hidden dangers of items we come into contact with every day.

A 2004 report, also by the University of Arizona, stated that phones and keyboards had up to 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat and a study in 2005 by Comma and BBC Top Gear Magazine found that there are around 500 colonies of germs in the average car.

Door handles and TV remotes have also been highlighted for the dirt and bacteria they harbour.

Are these studies something we should be losing sleep over? Or is there truth in the saying ‘a bit of dirt never hurt anyone?’ Pedestrians in Bournemouth town centre appeared convinced that we’re too concerned about the germs we encounter on a daily basis.

Pearl and John Wheeler, both 76, on holiday in Bournemouth from Buckinghamshire, were particularly dismissive.

“I think they’re bonkers,” said Pearl. “Years ago there were more germs about than there are now and it wasn’t an issue.”

“It’s simply health and safety gone mad,” said John.

Bournemouth University student Sian Jones, 18, was concerned that a germ obsessed culture would do more harm than good.

“I think we are becoming more obsessed with it,” said Sian. “You have to be a little concerned but it’s going over the top. I think it may be contributing to the new forms of superbug we are seeing.”

Jane Smith, 47, who lives near Winchester, said “You’ve got to have a certain amount of germs, haven’t you?”

“All this household cleaning stuff they have now, they’re quite strong, so it doesn’t worry me.”

For some, the bacteria we encounter as part of our daily business is a far more serious concern.

Mysophobia, the fear of contact with dirt or uncleanliness, is a common phobia. It can manifest itself in a number of ways from repeated hand washing to completely avoiding contact with other people or objects.

Howard Hughes, the legendary American billionaire, was a famous sufferer. His condition turned him into a recluse who avoided contact with anyone or anything potentially contaminated with germs.

American businessman Donald Trump is another notable sufferer, and has difficulty shaking hands.

NHS Bournemouth and Poole state that it is impossible and undesirable to rid homes of all germs but suggest a ‘targeted hygiene’ system of getting rid of as many germs as possible when there is a risk of them spreading or causing infection.

They also advise that good personal hygiene and frequent hand washing should be used to help prevent the spread of the norovirus.

A 2007 survey by the Hygiene Council found that as many as two thirds of Britons did not observe basic hygiene standards, such as washing their hands after using the toilet or before eating.