Computer filth exposed

By BBC News Online internet reporter Mark Ward

The shocking secrets of the life of grime beneath your fingers have been revealed.

Computer keyboards are accumulating up to two grams of dirt every month, research conducted on behalf of AOL UK shows.

The crumbs and dirt collect beneath the keys because users eat breakfast, snacks, and lunch over their computer terminals.

The personal grooming that people undertake while at their desk also contributes to the build-up of grunge.

Computer fungus risk to patients

Infection control should include regular computer cleaning

Critically ill patients in hospital intensive care units could be at risk from computers spewing infectious fungal spores.

American researchers found a rare hospital fungus "Aspergillus fumigatus" in their intensive care wards following the installation of computers.

Dr Gregory Forstall, of the McLaren Regional Medical Centre, in Michigan, said his research highlighted the need for careful cleaning of computers.

He told the American Society for Microbiology that when researchers analysed cultures from dust on the central processing units and other parts of the equipment, they spotted another five types of fungus which can cause illness.