Hand dryers worse than paper towels for spreading germs

Scientists from the University of Leeds (UK) have discovered that airborne germ counts are 27 times higher around air dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers. Their study, published in theJournal of Hospital Infection, shows that both jet and warm air hand dryers spread bacteria into the air and onto users and those nearby.

To mimic hands that had been poorly washed, the research team contaminated the subjects’ hands with Lactobacillus , a harmless type of bacteria. The researchers then collected air samples around the hand dryers and also at distances of one and two meters away.

They found that air bacterial counts close to jet air dryers were 4.5 times higher than around warm air dryers and 27 times higher compared with the air when using paper towels. Next to the dryers, bacteria persisted in the air well beyond the 15 second hand-drying time, with approximately half (48 percent) of the Lactobacilli collected more than five minutes after drying ended. Lactobacilli were still detected in the air 15 minutes after hand drying.

“These findings are important for understanding the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease,” said Professor Mark Wilcox, who led the study. “Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric hand dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with bugs from other people’s hands.”

Related:
Discuss this article in our forum
Plentiful poo traces confirm Brits’ aversion to handwashing
Hygiene Hypothesis linked to depression
Atmospheric analysis yields dog poop surprise

Source: University of Leeds

, , ,

Comments are closed.

5 x 3.5 Notice Hand Washing Only Sticker Vinyl Sink Sign Stickers Decal Signs picture

5 x 3.5 Notice Hand Washing Only Sticker Vinyl Sink Sign Stickers Decal Signs

$7.99



Hand Washing Technique by Mike Smith - DVD picture

Hand Washing Technique by Mike Smith - DVD

$15.75



Yair Anodized Aluminum Hand Washing Cup For Netilat Yadayim Traditional Jewish N picture

Yair Anodized Aluminum Hand Washing Cup For Netilat Yadayim Traditional Jewish N

$72.73



Hand Washing Clothes in a Utility Sink - 1940s - Vintage Photo Print picture

Hand Washing Clothes in a Utility Sink - 1940s - Vintage Photo Print

$7.50



3 Pc Set Ritual Hand Washing Shabbat & Holidays Hammered Aluminum Bowl + picture

3 Pc Set Ritual Hand Washing Shabbat & Holidays Hammered Aluminum Bowl +

$69.95



wash cup natla netilat Yadayim Hand Washing israel.Steinls Steele Matt 12cm picture

wash cup natla netilat Yadayim Hand Washing israel.Steinls Steele Matt 12cm

$39.39



PANSY Teapot by Jay Willfred Andrea by Sadek Hand Painted In Philippines Flower picture

PANSY Teapot by Jay Willfred Andrea by Sadek Hand Painted In Philippines Flower

$25.00



3.5x2 Hand Washing Station Sticker Vinyl Business Sign Door Decal Wall Stickers picture

3.5x2 Hand Washing Station Sticker Vinyl Business Sign Door Decal Wall Stickers

$7.99



EMANUEL Yair Anodized Aluminum Hand Washing Cup for Netilat Yadayim | Traditi... picture

EMANUEL Yair Anodized Aluminum Hand Washing Cup for Netilat Yadayim | Traditi...

$69.59



Yair Bamboo Hand Washing Cup for Netilat Yadayim Traditional Jewish Judaica (... picture

Yair Bamboo Hand Washing Cup for Netilat Yadayim Traditional Jewish Judaica (...

$28.82



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes