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OKIsItJustMe

(19,938 posts)
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 10:10 AM Nov 2014

Hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets, research finds

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/3629/hand_dryers_can_spread_bacteria_in_public_toilets_research_finds
[font face=Serif][font size=5]Hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets, research finds[/font]

Published Thursday 20 November 2014



[font size=3]Modern hand dryers are much worse than paper towels when it comes to spreading germs, according to new University of Leeds research.

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found that high-powered ‘jet-air’ and warm air hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets. Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers.

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

The research team, led by Professor Mark Wilcox of the School of Medicine, contaminated hands with a harmless type of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which is not normally found in public bathrooms. This was done to mimic hands that have been poorly washed.

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11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets, research finds (Original Post) OKIsItJustMe Nov 2014 OP
I hate those damn things.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #1
Most of us have C. diff. in our guts Warpy Nov 2014 #7
NO its contagious..... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #8
It can be Warpy Nov 2014 #9
Yes among healthy people......that is why bathrooms are a problem.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #10
Yea, but there is bacteria everywhere. tridim Nov 2014 #2
outward-opening doors: bam, solved the problem MisterP Nov 2014 #3
Has anyone ever done a study of people who wipe their hands on the sides of their shirts hedgehog Nov 2014 #4
That's just plain tacky Warpy Nov 2014 #6
Earlier research has focused on the hands Warpy Nov 2014 #5
Isn't soap supposed to help kill the bacteria? SheilaT Nov 2014 #11

Warpy

(111,351 posts)
7. Most of us have C. diff. in our guts
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 05:09 PM
Nov 2014

but the normal bacteria outcompete them. Infection usually occurs when the person is weakened by surgery or illness or has been on antibiotics.

Warpy

(111,351 posts)
9. It can be
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 05:18 PM
Nov 2014

but not among healthy people, otherwise we'd have waves of it and strict quarantine policies out in suburbia.

 

VanillaRhapsody

(21,115 posts)
10. Yes among healthy people......that is why bathrooms are a problem....
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 05:19 PM
Nov 2014

its from fecal matter....

I was a healthy person that had a dental procedure....got some antibiotic....ended up with CDiff...

Certain antibiotics make you suceptible...including Clindamyocin


Preventing the spread of infection to others
You, and those caring for you, also need to follow strict hygiene measures if you have C. difficile infection. This will help to prevent the spread of infection to others. If you are in hospital, the following measures are usually suggested:

If possible, you should have your own room, washbasin and toilet facilities.
You should regularly wash your hands thoroughly, especially after each time you have been to the toilet.
Those caring for you should wear disposable gloves and aprons and wash their hands with soap and water before and after attending to you. Hand gel is not an alternative to soap and water but may be used after hand washing. This is because hand gel may not kill the C. difficile spores.
Toilets, surfaces, floors, bedpans, bedding, etc, should be washed regularly.
Visitors should also wear disposable gloves and aprons and wash their hands as they enter and leave your room.

tridim

(45,358 posts)
2. Yea, but there is bacteria everywhere.
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 10:32 AM
Nov 2014

Especially in public restrooms.

It's one reason why we have immune systems.

hedgehog

(36,286 posts)
4. Has anyone ever done a study of people who wipe their hands on the sides of their shirts
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 04:37 PM
Nov 2014

when confronted with a warm air hand dryer?

Warpy

(111,351 posts)
5. Earlier research has focused on the hands
Fri Nov 21, 2014, 05:07 PM
Nov 2014

and has discovered that air hand dryers leave nearly all the bacteria in place, while the friction from paper towel drying removes most of them.

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