About Hand Dryers & Germs

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By Nannette Richford
eHow Contributing Writer

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Many people assume that hand dryers are more efficient and provide better protection from germs than using paper towels.
Research conducted by the Department of Food Service at Rutgers indicates that drying your hands with an air dryer actually increases the level of bacteria on your hands while using paper towels shows a slight decrease in bacteria.

Function

Air dryers have replaced traditional paper towels in restrooms across America. Some restrooms offer both. If you are looking for protection from bacteria, the paper towel is your best choice. Air dryers, when functioning properly, and used appropriately, may dry the hand better and discourage rough chapped hands that can result from inadequate drying and exposure to weather.
Paper towels offer added protection from bacteria, can be used to cover the knob to turn the faucet without touching the area with your hands and can be used to open and close doors reducing the exposure to bacteria.

Effects

Reducing the exposure to bacteria decreases the risk of infection or illness and prevents the spreading of disease. Air dryers have the potential to redistribute airborne bacteria as it circulates contaminated air. In restrooms where the air dryer is the only choice, more bacteria may be picked up by touching the door handle to open the door.

Considerations

When paper towels are not available, folding the end of a sleeve over the hand and opening the door will prevent contamination. The same procedure can be used with the faucet. Flushing the toilet with a foot instead of the hand eliminates contact with bacteria.

Prevention/Solution

The best prevention is to wash the hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. the Mayo Clinic recommends wetting the hands under warm running water and then lathering with soap. The hands should be scrubbed for 15 to 20 seconds. Scrub all areas of the hand and wrist, including between the fingers and under nails. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
In the event that warm water and soap is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Apply one-half teaspoon to the palm of the hand and rub hands, covering all areas, until the sanitizer is dry. Hand sanitizers kill more bacteria and viruses than soap and water.

Benefits

Proper hand washing procedures should be practiced on a daily basis to eliminate germs and to maintain healthy hands. Germs are spread by contact with the hand and can easily be transferred to the face or mouth when drinking or eating. Washing hands prior to eating, after visiting the restroom and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces will reduce the risk of illness.