Hand Towels Versus Dryers - Which is Better?

Europeans have modified their hand hygiene habits since the COVID-19 pandemic by washing their hands more frequently throughout the day and opting for paper towels when drying hands while out and about. A recent mask study supports these preferences and suggests that consumers are correct. The study, conducted by the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at the University of Leeds and the Department of Microbiology of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, shows that contamination of hand dryer users through splattering was 10 times higher when using jet air dryers compared to paper towels, and contamination of other washroom users was also significantly greater.

The study emphasizes the importance of hand drying for optimal hand hygiene, which removes microbes remaining on hands following poor hand washing, reducing the spread of infection in the community. Participants in the study dried their hands using either a jet air dryer or paper towels while wearing face masks to measure the risk of inhaling viruses. The study found that 89 percent of masks were contaminated by viruses when using jet air dryers, compared to 29 percent when using paper towels. Additionally, face mask contamination with virus aerosols was higher in the first 5 minutes following hand drying for both methods, with a significantly higher virus load when using jet air dryers.

The study reveals that the method of hand drying has the potential to impact the airborne dissemination of microbial pathogens, including respiratory viruses, which could increase the risk of exposure and infection for other washroom users. The results indicate that restaurant and bar owners, as well as procurement managers responsible for facilities in large sporting and shopping complexes, should review the hand drying equipment they offer and ensure that they provide customers with the most hygienic option, such as paper towels.




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