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:
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.
New Study: A Pill that Works Out Your Muscles?!?
New study shows that, though we are not there yet, a pill can and probably WILL come out that works out the muscles and grows them.
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.
The Habit of Nail Biting Could Have Many More Consequences
Nail-biting is more than just a gross habit, it can also be extremely bad for your mental and physical health in a number of ways.
Best Nootropics: Boost Your Brain Power
Discover the best nootropics scientifically formulated to enhance cognitive function, improve focus, boost memory, and support overall brain health.
Is it REALLY the Coffee that Wakes Us Up in the Morning?
A recent study has revealed that the coffee you drink may just be a placebo...
This Genius Child is a Better Calculator than a Computer
This ‘human calculator’ could likely outpace you entering the numbers into a calculator.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
Science Predicts These 10 Technologies Will Rule 2025
These upcoming tech innovations will reshape our world.
10 Smart Home Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve ever wanted a smarter, more efficient home, these 10 gadgets might be exactly what you need.
26 Incredible Facts About the Human Mind
The human brain is an interesting and powerful organ, which is why we've gathered 26 interesting facts about exactly how human psychology works.
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.
This Video Will Show You Where We Are in the Universe!
Where is our galaxy in the known universe? This video will fly with you to ever-larger destinations, showing you our little planet's cosmic address from a very large viewpoint.
9 Great NASA Inventions That Took the World By Storm!
For around six decades, NASA have been inventing top-notch products. Here are nine great examples!
What’s it Like Using a 115-Inch TV?!
This colossal 115-Inch TV will transform your viewing experience forever.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
You Wouldn't Believe How Far Technology Has Come
Take a look at the advancements of technology in this video. Impressive.
New Study: A Pill that Works Out Your Muscles?!?
New study shows that, though we are not there yet, a pill can and probably WILL come out that works out the muscles and grows them.
Ponder Life's Big Questions with a Truly Brilliant Mind
Dr. Michio Kaku is known around the world for his brain power and ability to explain complex concepts with effortless ease. Here are his thoughts.
How Your Eye Came to Be the Color It Is...
Why do we have different-colored eyes, and what does it mean?
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
Do You Know What Alzheimer's Really Is?
This video will shed light on the different stages of this complex and incredibly destructive disease.
Introducing the Astronauts That Were Just Launched Into Space
The two astronauts — veteran NASA fliers Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are honored to have been on this flight. Let's get to know them!
Is Weekend Sleep as Good as Regular Sleep? Let's Check
If you thought sleeping in on the weekend was a bad habit, you're about to find out that it's quite the opposite.
14 Retro Inventions That Stunned Crowds Back in the Day
These inventions were the talk of the town back in the day.
Science: What is Reality? Dive in and Find Out!
What if everything you see, feel, and experience isn’t real? The simulation argument suggests that our reality might be nothing more than an advanced computer program.
See the World From Up Close - 17 Fascinating Macro Photos
Seeing ordinary objects like honey, paracetamol, and snow through a microscopic lens teaches us how beautiful and intricate they really are!
Wow! Who Knew That Jupiter Was So Mesmerizing?
Take a look at Jupiter like you've never seen it before!
Neon Lights: a Beautiful Union of Science and Art
Neon signs are a beautiful blend or artistry and science, and knowing the history and the science behind them make them even more exciting
Earth Is So Incredible: I Was Stunned by These 50 Facts
Here's a post that will explain to you just what's truly, scientifically amazing about our planet Earth. I'm gobsmacked.
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
Future Tech: 19 Innovations About to Change Our World
These groundbreaking new technologies will change our world.
12 Steps That Help to Explain Einstein's Famous Theory
Have you ever wondered what Einstein's Theory of Relativity is all about? If you have, here is an easy-to-understand explanation!
These 18 Photos Capture the Universe Like Never Before!
See the universe in a new light with these astonishing photos.
Taller Doesn't Mean Bigger - the True Size of Skyscrapers
If you were to compare skyscrapers by area rather than height, which skyscraper would end up on top?
These Wacky Inventions of the Past Appear Odd to Us Today!
These vintage tech inventions may look very interesting or even incredible, but their practicality today is questionable...
Amazing New Scientific Discoveries You Missed in 2024
There have been so many interesting scientific discoveries this year that we have missed!
This Incredible Documentary Takes You Into the Human Body
A beautiful and graphically advanced animation sheds light on the mysteries of the human body.
Travel From the Sun to Pluto With Our Interactive Guide!
The solar system is a fascinating place, and we wanted to bring you an interactive journey that you can use to travel through it. Enjoy the journey!
20 Amazingly Simple Inventions That Make Life Easier
Some wonderful inventions can fix some of the most annoying little problems that bug us every single day. Here are 20 of the most inventive ideas I've ever seen that I can't believe no one has invented before.
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.
10 Tech Products You Must Double-Check Before Buying
Beware! These tech products are most commonly faked.
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.
8 Important Inventions That Were a Complete Accident
It might be interesting for you to learn that some very important scientific innovations were born as a result of an accident.
Study: New Link Found Between Parkinson's and the Gut
A recent study has identified gut microbes likely involved and linked them to decreased riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7), suggesting a potential treatment
2024's Biggest Breakthroughs in Science We Must Celebrate
These recent scientific breakthroughs could change the world.
New Study: Are Dogs Even More Intelligent than We Thought?
New study sheds more light on canine intelligence, making some fascinating discoveries.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!!
Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.