New mask study shows that method of hand drying
can impact airborne spread of viruses
VIRUS LOAD SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER WITH JET AIR DRYER USE THAN WITH PAPER TOWELS
Scientists have found that drying hands with jet air dryers produces more aerosols than when drying them with paper hand towels. Contamination of hand dryer users by splattering was found to be 10-fold higher when using jet air dryers than when using paper towels, and contamination of other washroom users was also significantly greater.
The results have major implications for hygiene in public washrooms. Hand drying is an essential step in ensuring optimal hand hygiene. It helps to remove microbes remaining on hands following poor handwashing and so reduce the spread of infection in the community.
The study was carried out earlier this year by a team at the Leeds Institute of Medical Research of the University of Leeds, UK & the Department of Microbiology of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Participants dried hands using either a jet air dryer or paper towels and wore face masks as a way of measuring the risk of inhaling viruses. ….
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ETS is the European Tissue Paper Industry Association. The members of ETS represent the majority of tissue paper producers throughout Europe and around 90% of the total European tissue production. ETS was founded in 1971 and is based in Brussels. For more information: www.europeantissue.com
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