There have been many studies on the benefits of hand washing and on the efficacy ofdifferent hand washing agents but relatively few on the contribution of hand drying to hand hygiene. ETS asked a

University of Westminster research team, led by Microbiologist Keith Redway,

to study the hygienic performance of several hand drying methods to take account of technology and product developments, including the recently introduced new generation jet air dryer, not tested in previous comparative studies. The main methodology used in the present study follows that used in the previous University of Westminster studies on the topic.

• Full text of the "Westminster Study" – A comparative study on different hand drying methods: paper towel, warm air dryer, jet air dryer (Nov2008)
• A presentation of the main findings of this recent study can be viewed by clicking here (Feb2009)
• A two sided summary can be downloaded by clicking here (Feb2009)
• Westminster University Study – Key findings (Feb 2009)

This latest study compared the performance of paper towels with two types of electric hand dryer: a warm air dryer and one of the new generation of electric hand dryer increased the average numbers of bacteria  on the hands after use, whereas paper towel reduced them. Thejet air dryeralso showed a greater potential to spread contamination to other users and the washroom environment than the other hand drying methods tested in this study and, like warm air dryers, was liable to become contaminated with bacteria. some of which can cause disease.

• Press release: New evidence suggest electric hand dryers in public toilets pose health risk (Feb2009)
• More publications