The Truth About Hand Dryers and Bacteria

You might be here because you’ve read that electric hand dryers spread germs and bacteria. While this may be a shocking thought, it might be time to use science to back up claims and, eventually, avoid the spread of illnesses (and misinformation). After all, truth and knowledge are key to surviving and attaining a healthy physical state, especially as we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are ready to learn more, then you have come to the right place. Read on as we discuss and discover the truth about hand dryers and bacteria.

Hand Dryers and Bacteria: All about the Facts

Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens circulate in bathrooms, where we mostly find electric hand dryers. At the same time, microorganisms live in the air and on contact surfaces. In fact, any air stimulates particle flow, which occurs throughout a restroom. HVAC, ventilation, and even our breath can emit particles.

Through time, researchers discovered a link between air particles and cleanliness. Now, when it comes to hand dryers, these appliances gather only a small amount of bacteria and germs. However, hand dryers have at least twice as many touch surfaces as waste bins where paper towels are thrown.

Many establishments today prefer to use electric hand dryers for both economical and environmental reasons. With an electric dryer, we significantly reduce our use of paper towels. Hand dryers are known to be 90-99% more efficient than paper towels.

With the usage of hand dryers, regular maintenance is paramount. Regular maintenance, in addition to using best practices, maintains hand dryers clean. Touchless hand dryers prevent contact, and HEPA filtering collects 99.97% of particles with diameters of 0.3 microns or bigger. At the same time, antimicrobial agents prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew from colonizing the dryer.

Science and Hand Dryers: The Fight Against a Pandemic

With the rise and spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our awareness of cleanliness and handwashing has never been more effective. Beyond the pandemic, however, clean hands help us reduce the risk of illnesses, infections, and more. With better hand-washing techniques, best practices for cleanliness, and science, there is a positive outcome waiting at the end of the fight against COVID-19.

Today, the majority of modern hand dryers include HEPA filters, which remove airborne pollutants, particulates, viruses, and bacteria. Another useful addition is using antibacterial substances to limit the growth of viruses and germs on the unit's surface that may be found in electric hand dryers, as well as ionizers that clean and cleanse the air by releasing negatively charged ions.

With science and technology, the majority of hand dryers are now sensor-operated, so users do not need to contact them while using them, which helps reduce disease spread through cross-contamination. As you can see, we can now build hand dryers that are completely hygienic and safe, thanks to modern and advanced technology.

Hand Dryers and Bacteria: The Professional’s Opinion

● The World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates the use of sensor or non-contact hand dryers to promote hygiene and health. WHO also recommends drying washed hands using an electric hand dryer or paper towels since they are both safe and sanitary. No matter how you dry your hands, never use clothing to dry them. Insufficient hand washing and improper drying are hazardous to one's health.

The WHO, a global health watchdog, has also endorsed warm-air hand dryers for hand hygiene, which is remarkable and encouraging.

● John Hopkins Hospital

Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world leader in infectious illness treatment. One of the world's most prominent healthcare centers, they are known to offer cutting-edge treatments and medical sciences.

Dr. Larry Chang, an infectious disease specialist at this university, indicated that hand dryers do neither kill nor transmit coronavirus. In the same tone, Dr. Williams Hathaway, the Medical Director of Mission Health Hospitals in the United States, verifies Dr. Chang's claims that hand dryers do not spread the virus through the air in this video.

● The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the most important operational components of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, working around the clock to protect all Americans against domestic and international threats to their health and safety.

Moreover, TESSy (the European Surveillance System) allows the ECDC (European CDC) to collect and analyze data on communicable illnesses from EU countries, providing scientific advice to EU governments and institutions and ensuring early detection and analysis of new threats.

To avoid the spread of the common flu, the ECDC suggests proper hand washing with soapy water and drying with a hand dryer or disposable paper towels/wipes, similar to SARS-CoV-2.

● The University of Arizona

Last August 14, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Arizona published a study on electric hand dryers and paper towels for hand hygiene.

The authors of this study examined 293 studies on the benefits and drawbacks of using electric hand dryers versus disposable paper towels and concluded that none of the studies provided credible scientific evidence that one method is safer than the other, and that both methods of hand drying are essentially equivalent.

Conclusion

When it comes to health and safety, it is paramount to do substantial research and scientific studies. The reason for this is that while we have access to information, the web traffic we encounter makes it difficult to separate facts from fiction. As such, before you believe what you see on the internet, make sure you look for information that is backed up by hard evidence and real scientific facts. A great example of this is learning and knowing more about hand dryers and the spread of bacteria.

Indeed, science backs us up again with multiple tries-and-tested facts, information, and data. Now, we know that hand dryers are specifically designed to help us wash and dry our hands without using paper towels. At the same time, with technology, modern hand dryers now take into account our well-being and safety by assisting them with personal hygiene.

Are you looking for commercial hand dryers for bathrooms? Hand Dryer Supply offers reliable premium-grade products for your property and business. Shop online today!