Steve Rusell/Toronto Star

Hospital elevator button called bacterial hotspot

Study says hospital elevator buttons were dirtier than toilet surfaces


A new study in the journal Open Medicine has revealed that hospital elevator buttons were dirtier than toilet surfaces, according to an article on the Vox website.

The research, conducted by three physicians, compared the amounts of bacteria living on 120 elevator buttons and 96 toilet surfaces at three hospitals in Toronto, Ontario.

The prevalence of bacteria on elevator buttons was 61 percent. On the toilets, it was 43 percent.

However, the kinds of bacteria the researchers found are unlikely to make people sick, the article said.

The researchers suggested placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers outside elevators, enlarge elevator buttons so that people can use their elbows to push them or make the elevator experience touchless.

Read the article.

 



July 16, 2014


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Healthcare Is the New Retail

How site selection strategies are shaping the future of medical real estate.


Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services Launches Campaign to Renovate Health Center

The $2 million capital campaign aims to renovate and expand the outpatient behavioral health center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.


Ground Broken for New North Dakota State Hospital

The 300,000-square-foot facility in Jamestown will provide 140 beds in a modern, trauma-informed care environment.


AI Usage for Healthcare Facilities

People in all industries are finding more use cases for artificial intelligence.


Ground Broken on Pelican Valley Senior Living Modernization Project

It is expected to reach completion in early-mid 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.