In response to the ‘celebration’ of Global Handwashing Day last month, this article from the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PMASA) talks about why hand drying is just as important as hand washing and why using a paper towel is better than using a jet dryers to dry hands.
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Sing or hum Happy Birthday twice when washing your hands’ has been 2020’s mantra. But it’s not the whole story. Thankfully, no more singing is involved, but it turns out that hand drying is just as important as hand washing to reduce the transmission of germs [1]. Not only does hand drying remove moisture from our hands, it also causes friction. This friction further reduces the microbial load and the transfer of germs. According to a study by Auckland University, wet skin is more likely to transmit microbes than dry skin. [2]
Does it matter what we use to dry wour hands? Yes it does, according to researchers at Swansea University [3]. Disposable paper towels – a form of tissue product – have been shown to be the most hygienic, especially when compared to jet air dryers and fabric towels.
Warm air and jet air dryers are not recommended for use in hospitals and clinics for hygiene reasons, as they can disperse the bacteria from the hands and deposit it on surfaces, including recently washed hands [4]. In fact, COVID-19 workplace regulations gazetted on 29 April 2020 by the Department of Labour stipulated that only paper towels be made available in bathrooms for hand drying.
Environmental impact of disposable paper towels
Many people worry about the impact of single-use or disposable paper towel. “Paper towel and tissue products are made from a renewable resource,” assures Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PMASA).
“Many tissue mills use recycled fibre from used office paper as well as sustainably sourced virgin wood fibre, depending on the type of product.” PAMSA’s tissue manufacturing members also subscribe to the Forest Stewardship Council chain of custody for their products.
How to dispose of tissue and towelling products
While tissue products are not recyclable themselves, they are biodegradable. If you’ve ever tried to use toilet paper to mop up a spill, for example, you will know that it is made to disintegrate when in contact with water – and paper towelling is also manufactured to be fit for purpose, but still able to break down.
Paper towelling – such as kitchen paper or hand towel – is treated with wet-strength additives, so it can hold its structure for a bit longer. This should not be flushed down a toilet, but rather discarded in a closed bin to reduce viral transmission.
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) promotes the renewability and recyclability of everyday paper products. PAMSA represents 90% of South African pulp, paper, paper packaging and tissue manufacturers and also manages RecyclePaperZA, the paper recycling association of South Africa, which represents processors of recycled paper fibre.
PAMSA provides a platform to the sector on pre-competitive issues such as research, energy, water and environmental matters as well as education, training and development.
References
- Coronavirus and handwashing: research shows proper hand drying is also vital; The Conversation; theconversation.com/coronavirus-and-handwashing-research-shows-proper-hand-drying-is-also-vital-132905
- Residual moisture determines the level of touch-contact-associated bacterial transfer following hand washing; PubMed Central® (PMC); www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809004/
- The neglected element of hand hygiene - significance of hand drying, efficiency of different methods and clinical implication: A review; Sage Journals; journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1757177418815549?journalCode=bjib
- Deposition of Bacteria and Bacterial Spores by Bathroom Hot-Air Hand Dryers; American Society for Microbiology; aem.asm.org/content/84/8/e00044-18
