Are public hand dryers spreading germs? Experts say paper towels are safer

That eco-friendly hand dryer may be blowing more than hot air — studies show it can spread bacteria and pathogens across public restrooms (Image: Canva)

We have all seen many public washrooms swap the traditional tissue holders with air dryers as an eco-friendly option recently. However, biologists claim that these "eco-friendly", environmentally conscious decisions might be doing more harm to our health than we know of.

Health experts warn that these devices can blow bacteria and pathogens back on freshly washed hands and defeat the purpose of washing your hands altogether.

Laura Gonzalez, a biologist who posts about science-backed tips online, recently warned that powerful jet dryers pull in contaminated air from toilet flush aerosols and redistribute it. Various studies have also backed her advice and suggest that air dryers spread germs onto hands and contaminate the restroom environment as well.

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What is the reasoning behind the caution?

Scientists from University of Connecticut and Quinnipac University noted that when petri dishes were exposed to air dryers running, around 254 bacterial colonies grew compared to almost none did when dryers were off. Most of the bacteria originated from toilet aerosols circulating in the air.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have reinforced these findings. A 2018 study by the American Society for Microbiology revealed that hot-air dryers emit contaminated airflows carrying spores and pathogens.

Additional studies, including one in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, confirmed that even dryers with HEPA filters still disperse pathogens and spores over wide areas.

Why paper towels offer better protection?

Unlike dryers, paper towels physically remove moisture and microbes from hands. Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings and other peer-reviewed sources affirmed that paper towels are more effective at minimising bacterial transfer—and crucially, they don’t propel germs across restrooms.

Health authorities such as the World Health Organization also recommend paper towels as the most hygienic drying option.

While hand dryers may reduce paper waste and operational costs, their hygiene trade-offs are notable—especially in high-traffic areas like airports, hospitals, and schools. For settings where public health is a priority, paper towels remain the safer choice to prevent the spread of infections.

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Key Takeaways

• Hot-air and jet hand dryers can disperse germs and pathogens onto clean hands and surfaces.
• Paper towels offer safer, more effective hand-drying by absorbing contaminants and limiting contamination spread.
• In high-traffic environments, paper towels are the recommended option for maintaining hygiene.