Air Dryers May Spread More Hand Germs

What’s better for limiting the spread of bacteria in washrooms: paper towels, or air dryers?

New research funded by a trade organization of paper towel manufacturers suggests that towels spread less bacteria.

Previous studies have shown mixed results, some finding air dryers spread more bacteria and others showing they’re as safe as towels. A review of past studies published in 2012 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggested that in healthcare settings, at least, “paper towels should be recommended.”

In the new study, jet air dryers spread 27 times the microbes as paper towels, and four times more microbes than warm-air machines, researchers said in a presentation last week in France at a meeting of the European Tissue Symposium, which sponsored the work. Read more.

{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}