Editorial | Take simple measures to wash away germs

Public toilets are places of anxiety for those who consider them awash with infectious germs. A Hong Kong Polytechnic University study of 55 washrooms around the city identified 52 types of bacteria, several harmful due to being antibiotic resistant. But perhaps most surprising was where the bugs were found. Of the facilities tested, those for drying hands were among the least hygienic.

Most bacteria were found on internal door handles, with 148 cells per square centimetre. But next were jet air hand dryers, those emitting warm air, paper towels and towel dispensers. The reason is simple enough: when people do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet and then touch handles, taps, buttons and levers, germs end up on surfaces. Dryers that blow air pose a different type of problem, though, with jets spreading bacteria into the atmosphere and depending on where they are located, sinks, floors and walls.

Microbes are abundant in the human body, especially on skin, and in the mouth, urinary and genital organs and gastrointestinal tracts. It is why eating, smoking and using mobile phones should never be part of toilet visits. Public restrooms obviously need to be regularly cleaned to lessen the risk of contamination. Antiseptic wipes and paper towels can offer reassurance when opening doors or turning on and off taps. Those who are especially germ conscious make use of elbows, knees and even feet.

But the key to protection against germs is proper hand washing and drying and better equipment can play a part. Washing hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds removes dirt, bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. Paper towels absorb water and microbes left on hands and are less of a hazard if disposed of properly. Researchers and others involved in hygiene and best toilet practices suggest design and technology also have a role.

Among the recommendations are handleless doors that can be pushed, motion sensors that enable the flushing of toilets and turning on of taps, and hands-free paper towel dispensers. But while there are plenty of germs in public toilets, people with a healthy immune system who adopt simple hygienic measures such as proper hand washing and drying can avoid the risks.