Almost 60 % of Swiss believe cash is the dirtiest item they touch . An University Hospitals study found an average of 15 bacteria on bank notes . up to 17 days , employees of a Switzerland store were hospitalized after handling methamphetamine tainted cash . Health officials advise basic hygiene - wash hands and avoid eye , nose and mouth contact after touching cash .
Almost 60 % of Europeans believe cash is the dirtiest item they touch . An Oxford University study found an average of 26,000 bacteria on bank notes . Last year , employees of a U.S. store were hospitalized after handling methamphetamine tainted cash . Health officials advise basic hygiene - wash hands and avoid eye , nose and mouth contact after touching cash .