desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Whenever you go to a mall, office, or public restroom, you often use a hand dryer to dry your hands after washing them. You might think it's a modern and hygienic method, but a recent study and experts' opinions prove the exact opposite. Yes, it's true that hand dryers can make you sick and contain 1300 times more germs than paper towels (Hand Dryer vs Paper Towel). Let's learn about it in detail.
Do you also dry your hands with a hand dryer?
Every time a toilet is flushed, an invisible mist-like layer is released into the air. This is called "toilet plume." These fine particles remain suspended in the air for hours. When a hand dryer draws that same air and expels it at high pressure, those particles settle directly back onto your clean hands and surrounding surfaces. This means that the effort of handwashing can be wasted in a matter of seconds.
Hand dryers are a breeding ground for germs
The biggest problem with hand dryers is their high-speed air. A study from the University of Leeds found that high-speed jet dryers can spread 1,300 times more bacteria than paper towels. The high-speed air can carry these germs not only to your hands, but also to your clothes, face, and even to someone standing nearby.
Not just bacteria, but fungus and allergies too
The humidity of a washroom is the perfect environment for mold and fungal spores to thrive. Hand dryers draw in and repeatedly expel this moist air. As a result, hands can become susceptible to not only bacteria but also allergens and dust particles, which can cause skin and respiratory problems in the long run.
Are they really 'eco-friendly'?
Many offices and hotels are replacing paper towels with hand dryers, believing they're better for the environment. But the real question is, is this healthier? Paper towels are discarded after use, killing bacteria right there. Hand dryers, on the other hand, repeatedly circulate the same contaminated air around us. Therefore, the claim of being a "green choice" is less compelling.
What is the better option?
- Paper towels: This is still the safest and most effective way to dry hands. They not only dry hands quickly but also remove any remaining moisture and germs.
- Natural Air Dry: If paper towels are not available, letting your hands air dry is better than using a hand dryer.
Hand dryers may seem modern and eco-friendly, but they can unknowingly expose your hands to germs and fungus. So, whenever you have the option, opt for paper towels.
--Advertisement--
