There was a peer-reviewed report published in the journal for Applied and Environmental Microbiology that studied the amount of bacteria that was blown from hand dryers in 36 public restrooms at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. The sample from the study concluded that as many as 60 colonies of bacteria were blown from a hand dryer in just 30-seconds. A number of those bacteria were linked to fecal and human bacteria, even bacteria known to cause serious infections.

Why YSK: So that you are informed for your own health, hygiene, and wellness and to prevent further spread of more harmful bacteria.

Citation & Sources: “Deposition of Bacteria and Bacterial Spores by Bathroom Hot-Air Hand Dryers” (April 2018), Applied and Environmental Microbiology

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AEM.00044-18

  • TigrisMorte@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    If the blower is blowing fecal matter then it would also be settling all over the paper towels. Issue is placement not anything to do with the blowers.

    • over_clox@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Almost every public restroom I’ve ever been in has the paper towels and toilet paper locked in a closed dispenser unit.

      • Nindelofocho@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        oh those are definitely not sealed or protected from the air in the bathroom anymoreso than a hand dryer is. Not to mention many paper product replacements are stored elsewhere in or at least near the same bathroom

    • Ubettawerk@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 year ago

      Bathrooms should just have a unisex hand washing station away from the toilets. May not work well for older buildings but new developments can implement that easier

      • Nindelofocho@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        i like this idea a lot and perhaps people would wash their hands more if the fact that walking past them and not doing so would broadcast the very fact they dont wash their hands

        • Ubettawerk@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          1 year ago

          There is a bar/arcade near me that has their sinks right outside both bathrooms in full view of all the patrons, and I think it would definitely encourage people to wash their hands since everyone can see you leave the restroom, especially considering it’s a place where people are touching everything