The President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile, has spoken of danger inherent in circulation of dirty naira saying it is injurious to human health.
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Dr. Faduyile, who is a Consultant Pathologist, told Vanguard that every likelihood for dirty notes to be contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms because it passed through several hands.
This he said is a risk to public health given that communicable diseases can be spread through contact with fomites.
“The notes can be contaminated by droplets during coughing, sneezing, the saliva often used when counting the notes, dust, soil, water, wounds, micro-flora of the body of handlers , touching with previously contaminated hands or other materials and placement on dirty surfaces. Some put under the bras and we have a lot of dirt there”, the pathologist said.
Faduyili in his remark added that offensive odour associated with tattered Naira notes could trigger asthmatic attacks and in those that have atopic diseases, frequent running nose and catarrh reactions.
“For those who put these Naira notes in their arm pits and bras, this action can cause infections. Some money handling habits such as keeping Naira notes in brassiere, socks, pockets, under the carpets or rugs and squeezing in the hand, frequently, introduce microbes”, he argued.
