The argument seems to go on. Every few years we get the results of a study saying hand dryers in public washrooms are the worst. Then someone says the aren’t and life continues.
The latest I have seen is a continuation of a study that started in 2014. Three sites in Europe were chosen. The washrooms in question were fitted with had dryers, tested for four weeks, then the hand dryers were replaced with paper towel for another four weeks and tests continued.
It probably comes as no surprise, but the hand dryers spread more germs.
The problem is, we are not very good a washing our hands. Since we don’t wash properly, blowing air just spreads the germs. Paper towel, if disposed of properly, does not.
Why do we still see hand dryers if they don’t work? Probably because they are cheaper and no one has to make sure there is some. You probably won’t hear that someone forgot to put air in the washroom, although they are times.
There are even websites and books highlighting hand dryers. Some of them are pretty cool looking and could be the highlight of a visit.
Unfortunately, until more of us learn how to properly wash our hands, they are the far less sanitary option.
