Since the advent of COVID-19, there has been increasing research and interest around the role banknotes may play as a passive vector for pathogens. It’s not hard to see why.
Cash remains the most popular payment method worldwide, meaning most people will handle banknotes every day. With more than 550 billion banknotes in circulation, it is worth considering what impact they may be having on public health.
This is especially important in markets where wallets are not the cultural norm, because cash comes into contact with the body more often, and warm, humid countries that tend to provide environmental conditions where bacteria thrive.
There is research to show that pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi can survive on a banknote – but that’s hardly surprising. Germs are omnipresent in our biosphere.
The apposite question for central banks is not whether pathogens exist on their banknotes, but how many, and for how long. In other words, which banknotes are cleaner?
The answer is GUARDIAN. Here’s why.
CCL Secure’s advanced polymer substrate provides a smooth, impermeable, non-porous surface that precludes the absorption of water and prevents excessive accumulation of dirt, oil, and grime over time. Plus, GUARDIAN banknotes can be disinfected with a damp cloth.
“Polymer banknotes are water resistant and less affected by dust … compared to paper.”
- Central Bank of Egypt
In contrast, paper banknotes are fibrous. They do absorb moisture and cannot be easily cleaned without damaging them. That means they can provide the conditions under which pathogens thrive.
This pathogenic potential also increases with time. As a paper banknote degrades, every rip, tear and perforation creates a cavity capable of harbouring germs. Meanwhile, the inevitable accretion of dirt, sweat, oil and grime reduces the longevity of banknotes too.
It’s one of the reasons more than 40 central banks have transitioned to GUARDIAN substrate. As well as being cleaner, its enhanced barrier properties contribute to a longer life, with each banknote lasting three to five times longer in circulation.
In 2016, scientists at Harper Adams University put the cleanliness of GUARDIAN to the test when they investigated bacterial survival on a variety of banknote substrates.
“We found that bacteria found on human hands are less capable of sticking to plastic banknotes compared to the old cotton-based UK pound notes; the linen-cotton mix based American dollar notes; and the washi paper based Japanese Yen notes.
“In addition, bacteria found on human hands die-off faster when on plastic banknotes.”¹
Want to learn more about how GUARDIAN substrate could contribute to public health?
Please get in touch.