Sometimes old methods are the best methods. New studies have shown that paper towels spread fewer germs than hand-air dryers in restrooms.
Believe it or not, the study revealed that hand air dryers mechanism for drying hands spread germs in the air of restrooms. In a study conducted by Mark Wilcox at the University of Leeds, it was found that bacteria levels were 27 times higher in the air compared to paper towel dispenser facilities.
Even worse news, the study uncovered that bacteria lived much longer in hand dryer environments. After hand dryers were used, the bacteria could still be detected 15 minutes after use. Imagine how many germs live in a hand-dryer environment during a workday?
Knowledge is power as cold and flu season approaches. “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,” Wilcox said in a university news release.
“These findings are important for understanding
the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and
disease,” he added.
The study was published Nov. 20 in the Journal of Hospital Infection and was also presented at the Healthcare Infection Society International Conference in Lyon, France.
Ready to reinvest in paper towels for your restroom facilities? Contact the WD Janitorial and Sanitation Department by clicking here.