The Shocking Truth About Public Bathroom Hand Dryers: They May Be Blowing Feces

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In a revelation that might make you reconsider your bathroom habits, recent studies have found that hot air hand dryers in public restrooms could be aerosolizing fecal bacteria. Yes, you read that right.

Published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the study indicates that rather than merely drying your hands, these dryers may be spreading harmful bacteria. Researchers conducted air samples in 36 restrooms at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, detecting various bacteria—including potentially harmful spores—being released into the air. This suggests that these devices could be a pathway for bacteria to travel between different areas of a building.

Peter Setlow, one of the study authors, explained, “Bacteria found in bathrooms can originate from feces, especially when toilets without lids are flushed.” He also noted that people entering and exiting the bathroom contribute to the spread of microbes, painting a rather disgusting picture of our restroom environments.

I used to mock a friend who avoided public toilets at all costs, opting to drive 20 minutes home just to use her own facilities. After this revelation, I owe her a sincere apology.

While the researchers highlighted that evidence exists showing hand dryers can disperse bacteria, they admitted there’s still much to learn about the specific organisms involved and whether these dryers serve as a reservoir for bacteria. After all, it turns out we might have been drying our hands with the same air that could have been contaminated.

In response to these findings, the University of Connecticut has switched to paper towels in all surveyed bathrooms, emphasizing the need for better hygiene practices.

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In summary, the next time you’re in a public restroom and reach for that hand dryer, you might want to think twice. Research has shown they could be blowing around more than just hot air—they may be spreading bacteria, including fecal matter, throughout the space.