Back in 2014, a team of researchers at the University of Leeds found out that jet air dryers, contrary to being sanitary, are actually fantastic at spewing bacteria all over public restrooms, increasing the likelihood that you’ll walk out of them awash in other people’s germs. Lovely.
The lab-based experiments replicated a public washroom and found that jet air dryers introduced 27 times more bacteria into the air than paper towels did. What’s more is that these microbes circulated in the air for 15 minutes afterward.
The researchers have now come out with even more evidence against hand dryers. The only difference is that this time, they conducted their experiments in the real world. They set out to examine how hand drying methods affected bacterial spreads in hospital bathrooms due to the many serious and antibiotic-resistant infections that circulate in clinical settings.
Hospitals in Leeds, UK, Paris, France, and Udine, Italy were used for the investigations, which were conducted over a 12-week period. Two restrooms used by patients, staff, and visitors in each hospital were selected, and each was set up to offer only a jet dryer or paper towels. Samples from the restrooms were taken every day for four weeks, then there was a two-week pause in the experiment before the drying methods were alternated. The whole process was then repeated for the third time.
In their findings, the researchers saw that the total amount of bacteria both in the air and on surfaces was far higher in restrooms where jet air dryers were being used. Even more disturbingly, UK restrooms were found to have three times the amount of Staphylococcus aureus bacterium than in the other hospitals tested during the period when jet air dryers were in use.
Bacterial species that are both penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant were also found to be present in significantly higher quantities when jet air dryers were being used. “Consequently, we believe that electric hand dryers are not suited to clinical settings, and, as such, existing (e.g. NHS) infection control building guidance needs to be amended and strengthened,” said the lead researcher.
“The problem starts because some people do not wash their hands properly,” the lead researcher added. “In effect, the dryer creates an aerosol that contaminates the toilet room, including the dryer itself and potentially the sinks, floor, and other surfaces, depending on the dryer design and where it is sited.
“However, paper towels absorb the water and microbes left on the hands and if they are disposed of properly, there is less potential for cross-contamination.”
BONUS - Check out this Sky News report referencing this study:
New Research Reveals a Link Between Bacteria & Alzheimer's
Groundbreaking new research has found a connection between Alzheimer's disease and certain types of bacteria in the brain. Learn more here.
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
Study: Can Our Sense of Time Heal Us Faster?
A recent groundbreaking study delves into how our perception of time can significantly impact the physical process of healing.
This New Treatment Looks Set to End Annoying Eye Floaters
Eye floaters aren't a problem for some people, but for others, they can get pretty annoying. Read on to find out about a new treatment to get rid of them.
These Mass Murders Have Been Hiding Right Under Our Noses
This video explains clearly what bacteriophages are and how they work in an informative and colorful way.
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
Erecting a Behemoth: Installation of an Offshore Oilrig
How do they install an offshore oilrig? This video will show you, step by step, how it is done.
Toilets: The Greatest Medical Advancement in Human History
While toilets make some people laugh, they are actually a deadly serious medical advancement. This video explains what toilets mean to civilization.
10 Fascinating Facts About the Subconscious Mind
10 facts about the way the subconscious mind works
These Archaeological Finds Left the World Mystified
Find out more about the most mysterious discoveries that archaeologists made.
Ancient Skull Found In China Unlike Any Human Ever Seen
A newly-discovered skull in China had baffled scientists. This could mean we might have discovered an entirely new species of humans.
INTERACTIVE: A Guide to the Workings of the Human Body
The human body is the most complex machine known to man, and the amount of things it has to do to keep us alive is incredible. View this interactive guide now.
What Does Medicine ACTUALLY Do In the Body? Fascinating.
What really happens in our bodies when we take medicine, have you ever wondered? This video will answer your question.
20 Useful Facts About the Science of Cooking
The science behind cooking is not often thought of, but it plays a crucial role in a dish turning out right. Here are 20 facts on the science of cooking.
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
The First Robot Ever Made Was Created 250 Years Ago...
This automaton is pure genius, especially when you consider it was built 250 years ago...
6 Shocking Truths About Coffee You Never Knew
Have you been believing these common coffee myths too?
The Psychology Behind Why Some People Are Habitually Late
Now we finally know why some people are habitually late.
I Never Knew These Stunning Facts About Our Universe
If you thought you understood the universe, you'll be completely floored by this insane facts.
6 Fascinating Stories of Accidental Medical Discoveries
From penicillin to pacemakers, here are the medical breakthroughs that were discovered by accident.
The Disappearing Computer: Revolution on a Personal Scale
What happens when we lose the physical large computer all together? This lecture explains what ahead for computers.
These 20 Tech Inventions Will Define the Next Decade
The future is here. Check out some emerging technologies that are all set to chane our world forever.
7 Little-Known Body Parts We Never Knew About
Here's a look at some of the weird and little-known body parts that you didn’t know you had.
Revealed! This Is How Far We Have Sent Crafts into Space!
Ever wondered just how far humans have sent spacecrafts into space? If the answer is yes, then this video is just what you've been looking for.
Are Underwater Turbines the Answer to Our Energy Question?
One of the most promising technologies in the renewable energy market is the ocean. Learn all about it.
16 Surprising Things I Never Knew About Sleeping!
Who knew there was so much we don't know about our most popular activity! Here are 16 facts you may not have known about your sleep.
Amazing Science: THIS is the True Scale of Our Universe...
Get a sense of the true scale and shape of the universe we've discovered so far.
The Surprisingly Convoluted History of Traffic Lights
What did the first-ever traffic light look like? Probably stranger than you imagine...
These Ancient Inventions Have Got Scientists Stumped!
Here are 12 items from long ago which prove that our ancestors possessed knowledge and skills far more advanced than we once believed them to be.
The Oldest Medicines That Have Stood the Test of Time
Learn about some fascinating old medicine and general healing practices that have survived for thousands of years.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
Wow! Who Knew That Jupiter Was So Mesmerizing?
Take a look at Jupiter like you've never seen it before!
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?
Incredible New Bionic Arm Fuses With Woman's Nerves
Karin's bionic hand is real sci fi, making her one of the first true cyborgs.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
19 Things to AVOID to Make Your Phone Live Longer
19 common mistakes we all make, that make our phones age quicker.
10 Real-Life Technologies That Science Fiction Foretold
Sometimes even the wildest science-fiction predictions about the future come true.
NASA's Plan to Colonize the Moon by 2026
NASA has a Moon colonization plan that involves utilizing 3D printers to construct an entire space station by 2026. Here's what it will look like.
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
WATCH: What Is the Fingerprint of God's Creation?
The golden pattern, describes the mathematical code of the universe. Is this the scientific evidence of God's will and plan?
Here Are the 16 Oldest Household Objects in the World
If you think ancient life is remote, these pre-historic household items will make you think again. Just look at how old they are!
10 Classic Paradoxes fom Philosophy, Math, and Physics
in every sphere of human knowledge, we’re bound to run into inconsistencies. That’s how fascinating paradoxes like these are born.
A Tunnel Built by a Swarm of Robots - Jaw-Dropping!
Imagine a swarm of robots attacking a mountain and smashing it to pieces...
Chocolate Exposed! Here's What It Does to Your Brain!
Just what is it that makes chocolate so irresistible to so many people around the world? Find all of the answers in the article.