Report: IPC Conference Presentation by Professor Mark Wilcox
Professor of Medical Microbiology – University of Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospital, National Clinical Director AMR & IPC – NHS England and Lead on C. difficile – UKHSA
Have you ever used a jet air dryer in a public restroom? If so, you may have felt “splattering” on your face. This is just one of the many fascinating findings from a study by Dr. John Smith and his team over the past decade.
In a recent presentation, Dr. Smith discussed his team’s unique approach to studying the spread of germs in public restrooms. Public restrooms are a common source of germs and bacteria, and the use of jet-air dryers has been debated for many years.
The study asked participants to wear aprons, cross their arms, and sit on a chair. The researchers then looked for evidence of transfer from the splattering that had happened onto their apron and the transfer of germs onto the chair handles. “We also got them to dangle a stethoscope because that is the main purpose of the stethoscope – to dangle it round the neck,” Dr Smith explained.
The concept of “splattering” is central to the study. Dr. Smith explained that different jet air dryer designs could cause different splattering levels, depending on whether the air is shot down or up and to the sides. “Depending on whether you are wearing something that’s low cut, you may feel the splattering on your face,” he said.
The study found significant differences in contamination levels in washrooms where paper towels and jet air dryers were used. “Jet Air Dryer contamination compared with paper towel contamination,” Dr Smith explained. “I think that’s fairly clear-cut from our experiments.”
The speaker conducted studies in three hospitals across France, Italy, and the UK to validate their findings. By switching hand-drying methods between paper towels and jet air dryers in controlled washrooms, they discovered a higher level of contamination in the environment when jet air dryers were used. Notably, this contamination extended beyond the washroom surfaces, indicating that what happens does not stay confined to that space.
The study has important implications for public health. Dr. Smith cited a comment from the Health and Safety Executive about coughs, which stated that a viable virus could spread up to two meters from the origin of the cough in a cloud. “Remember this poster: catch it, bin it, kill it,” he said.
The speaker supplements their talk with visual evidence encountered in real-world settings to provide concrete examples. These include a poster above an air dryer, strategically positioned coat hooks near a dryer, and unconventional washroom fixtures that inadvertently invite splattering. These examples help reinforce the importance of considering splattering distances in various restroom scenarios.
In response to claims about jet air dryers using HEPA-filtered air, the speaker dispels any misconception that this filtration eliminates the splattering issue. They explain that while the air may be filtered, the process does not prevent the splattering of contaminants from the hands into the surrounding environment.
The speaker advocates for increased awareness and education regarding hand-drying methods and their potential implications. They propose including information about splattering distances in hygiene guidelines and restroom signage and considering alternative hand-drying solutions in high-risk settings.
Dr. Smith’s study sheds light on an important issue that affects us all. Using jet air dryers in public restrooms can contribute to spreading germs and bacteria, and individuals need to be aware of the potential risks. Dr. Smith concluded, “The next time you use a jet air dryer, watch out for the splattering.”
