Airblown hand dryers have been the target of a great deal of criticism due to their part in the spread of germs and bacteria in restrooms.
Paper Towels vs. Airblown Hand Dryers
Research has shown that airblown hand dryers are not only inefficient at drying occupant hands after washing, they are also responsible for the spread of germs and bacteria.
Researchers analyzed bacterial contamination levels in washrooms where hand drying occurred either via paper towels or air dryers.
Total bacterial recovery was significantly greater from air dryer versus paper towel dispenser surfaces at all sites.
In the U.K., methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus recovery was three times more frequent and sixfold higher for jet air dryer versus paper towel surfaces.
And In France, ESBL-producing bacteria were recovered from dust twice as often during jet air dryer use compared to paper towel use.
Additionally, further studies report airblown hand dryers occupy a minimal portion of the market space vs. paper towels--a product that is often given away as part of cleaning services packages.
[...] hand dryers only account for nearly $17.5 million compared to $8 billion of towels and tissue. Even when looking at towel and tissue dispensers — a product typically given away as part of a program — hand dryers are still in the minority at a fifth of the sales.
Hand Sanitation as Part of a Healthy Facility
Proper hand sanitation is a critical aspect of facility and occupant health, especially for those who regularly work at desks.
According to a report on Yahoo News, office desks may be dirtier than a standard toilet seat, with more than 10 million bacteria living on keyboards, phones and the computer mouse.
However;
Studies have shown up to half of people in the workplace don’t wash their hands nearly as much as they should. Those that do wash up, don't use hand soap.
Why Dry Hands Matter
In the U.S., it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of infections are passed via hand contact.
When combined with the statistically poor hand hygiene practices of most people, improperly dried hands, especially ones that just had germs and bacteria blown all over them, represent a significant challenge to businesses and schools, as well as student and worker health.
Since most people don’t wash their hands correctly, it’s likely that many germs remain on their skin.
And germs left on wet “washed” hands can spread more quickly from person-to-person and person-to-object, creating opportunity for infection.
Since germs have less of a chance surviving on and transferring to or from dry hands, it’s important to make an effective hand drying method available
References & Resources
- Paper towels spread less bacteria than air hand dryers in hospital bathrooms, study finds
- Hand dryers can blow fecal bacteria onto your hands, a study found — and the researchers are now switching to paper towels
- Which is better in a commercial restroom? Hand dryers or paper towels?
- Hand Dryer vs. Paper Towel: Which Is Cleaner?
Takeaway
While there are studies that disagree with the premise that airblown hand dryers spread germs in bathrooms to surfaces and occupant hands, and are potentially inhaled, the vast majority of studies agree that;
[...] most studies suggest that paper towels can dry hands efficiently, remove bacteria effectively, and cause less contamination of the washroom environment.
From a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers.
Paper towels should be recommended in locations where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals and clinics.
The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence
If you would like to learn more about the advantages to using paper towels instead of airblown hand dryers or would like assistance with purchasing, provisioning, and paper product management--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
