In April 2021, Japan followed other governments around the world (including UK) and revised its COVID-19 regulations advising commercial facilities and businesses to start using them again. The Hygiene and Microbiology Research Centre in Tokyo it has declared that “hand dryers do not spread infections”.
This follows similar findings by WHO and CDC approving their use during a pandemic:
World Health Organisation
There is not sufficient evidence that shows hand dryers allow for greater risk of contracting the virus
Centre for Disease Control & Prevention
There is no significant difference in the hygiene between paper towel use and hand dryers. (Based on in-depth, independent studies not conducted or funded by the paper towel or hand dryer industries over the last 30 years)
Which is better, hand dryers or hand towels? There is no discernible, demonstrable and irrefutable difference between both methods.
Depending on where you get your information will dictate what is reported. For example :
Washrooms with jet air dryers may have higher levels of environmental microbial contamination than those using single-use paper hand towels.
This conclusion is from a report funded by a body with an inherent interest in pushing paper towel sales.Whereas reports from independent testing laboratories, funded by hand dryer manufacturers will tell you
Using a Dyson hand dryer releases no more bacteria into the air than removing your coat. Tests carried out independently by University of Bradford published in the Applied Journal of Microbiology have proved that Airblade technology is as hygienic as paper towels.
It’s a simple point but one worth making; Clean hands are inserted into hand dryers!
All good quality hand dryers will have NSF accreditation which is an independent regulator for hygiene.
Our dryers use an antibacterial, high-grade filter that doesn’t just trap bacteria but kills it too.
Leading independent microbiologist, Dr. David L Webber, has confirmed that the use of hand dryers in the washroom does not contribute to the spread of ..COVID-19
What type of hand dryers might be considered ‘hygienic’ ?
A hand dryer that has either HEPA filters (at least HEPA-13 Grade) or a built-in air steriliser unit, or both, are classed as ‘Hygienic‘. Many dryers have anti-microbial covers, but this would not classify it as a ‘hygienic hand dryer’.
HEPA-filtered hand dryers
HEPA-filtered hand dryers filter the air before it is used to clean your hands. Whilst there are many differing filters and different grades of HEPA filter, only medical-grade HEPA-13 filters are classed as Hygienic. HEPA Grade 13 filters remove 99.95% of airborne contaminants as small as 0.3microns.
This means the air you are drying your hands is cleaner than the air you are breathing.
While they will have some effect on the air quality in the washroom, this effect is negligible due to the short running times.
Sterilising hand dryers
Sterilising hand dryers sterilise the air, destroying pathogens (bacteria and viruses), spores and moulds as they pass through the dryer, including those that are too small to be captured by a HEPA filter. This is done by a UVC Germicidal lamp. The most effective sterilisers also incorporate plasma generators. These have a measurable effect on the air quality within the washroom and do not just clean the air that passes through them – See OXIZONE Air Steriliser
Read the full report in either long or short version here : “Are Hand Dryers Hygienic”
Also further reading is available on “How Hygienic are Hand Dryers”
List of Hygienic Hand Dryers available to purchase online : ‘Hygienic Hand Dryers’
