Study says hand dryers can spread bacteria

Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers


A study has found that high-powered jet-air and warm-air hand dryers can spread bacteria in public restrooms. Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

The study shows that both jet and warm- air hand dryers spread bacteria into the air and onto users and those nearby.

To mimic hands that have been poorly washed, the researchers contaminated hands with a harmless type of bacteria not normally found in public bathrooms. 

Subsequent detection of the Lactobacillus in the air proved that it must have come from the hands during drying. 

Read the article.

 

 



December 4, 2014


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


AdventHealth to Open Aurora Highlands Medical Campus

AdventHealth Aurora Highlands includes a 24-hour freestanding emergency room, outpatient imaging and clinic services.


The Future of Healthcare Facility Construction Projects

Brian Cowperthwaite highlights the invisible work that impacts everyone who walks through a healthcare facility.


Arnprior Regional Health Upgrades Building Controls to Improve IEQ

Case study: They wanted to improve the hospital facility’s IEQ to support patient care and reduce long-term operating costs.


 
 


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.