Paper towels may be a better choice than electric dryers for hand hygiene, according to a study led by a researcher at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.
The researcher reviewed 12 studies comparing paper towels, cloth towels, hot air dryers and jet air dryers for drying efficiency and the removal of bacteria. Overall, drying hands with paper towels was more effective for removing bacteria than hot air dryers.
In addition, paper towels dried hands faster and more effectively, which reduces the risk of bacterial transmission, according to the study.
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The researcher reviewed 12 studies comparing paper towels, cloth towels, hot air dryers and jet air dryers for drying efficiency and the removal of bacteria. Overall, drying hands with paper towels was more effective for removing bacteria than hot air dryers. In addition, paper towels dried hands faster and more effectively, which reduces the risk of bacterial transmission, according to the study.
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