Warm air dryers increase hand bacteria by 254%

Kiwi parents want schools to help prevent spread of flu
New study shows warm air dryers increase hand bacteria by 254%

With the winter flu season upon us – and the impact of last year’s swine flu epidemic still fresh in people’s minds – Kiwi parents are calling for schools to improve their washroom hygiene as a crucial part of protecting their children from colds and flus this winter.

A new survey by BIS Shrapnel shows that, although most schools have installed warm air dryers or paper towel dispensers, many people were unaware of the difference between the two when it comes to clean hands.

Commenting on the survey, Mark Stevens, Head of Sales for New Zealand at SCA Hygiene Australasia (manufacturer of global hygiene brand Tork), says not all hand drying methods are created equal.

“Most people know that washing your hands with soap and water is important, but it is the method that you then use to dry them that determines how clean your hands will be.

“The key is getting your hands really dry because germs thrive in a moist environment,” said Mr Stevens.

In a finding that will surprise many people, warm air dryers are the biggest culprits when it comes to bad hand hygiene. If you’ve ever used one, stop to consider this: scientific research at the University of Westminster has shown warm air dryers increase the bacteria on your hands by up to 254 per cent.

That’s right, that quick blast under a warm air dryer can leave you with more bacteria on your hands than when you left the toilet cubicle.

The BIS Shrapnel survey also showed that 90 per cent of Kiwi parents want their children’s schools to improve hygiene levels by providing paper towels in student washrooms. Paper towels are the most hygienic hand drying method, removing up to 77 per cent of the bacteria from your hands, according to the University of Westminster research.

The BIS Shrapnel survey was commissioned by SCA Hygiene Australasia and covers the views of 400 Kiwi parents and 100 Kiwi schools.

ENDS

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