Jet-air hand dryers spew out 5x more germs

So say U.K. investigators reporting in the Journal of Hospital Infection. In the 12-week study, bacterial counts in three hospitals were at least five times greater on the days jet-air dryers were in use versus paper towels. The authors say hot air can spread microbes around the restroom, while paper towels absorb water and microbes to minimize the spread of germs. To limit exposure when there’s only a jet-air dryer, researchers suggest shaking off excess water and letting hands air-dry.