Understanding the impact of different hand drying methods on viral aerosols formation and surface contamination in indoor environments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, compliance with good hygiene practices has declined. Hand drying can help remove microbes that remain on hands following poor hand washing. We looked at the potential of new electric hand dryer models to disperse microbial droplets and aerosolized particles during hand drying, to understand if there is a potential infection risk.

Methods

We used both a food dye solution and a bacteriophage solution to visually and quantitively investigate the potential of electric hand dryers Airblade 9KJ (A9KJ), Airblade Wash & Dry (AW+D) and of paper towels (PT), to disperse water droplets in the washroom environment, potentially contaminating surfaces, the user, and a bystander. We also investigated whether microorganisms aerosolized during

SUBMITTER: Moura IB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12586034 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature