Do you dry your hands after washing them? #GlobalHandwashingDay
JOBURG – The 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.
Before the global pandemic hit South African shores, not everyone was fixated on making sure that they washed their hands, let alone thoroughly.
Now that everyone makes sure that they are washing their hands every time they touch something, do you dry your hands after washing them?
Today, 15 October, the world is celebrating Global Handwashing Day. This day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Not only does hand drying remove moisture from our hands, but 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.
According to researchers at Swansea University, it also matters what we use to dry our hands. Disposable paper towels – a form of tissue product – have shown to be the most hygienic, especially when compared to jet air dryers and fabric towels.
South Africa’s 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.
Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) said, “Paper towel and tissue products are made from a renewable resource. Many tissue mills use recycled fibre from used office paper as well as sustainably sourced virgin wood fibre, depending on the type of product.”
Samantha Choles of the communication’s office of Pamsa said while tissue products were not recyclable themselves, they were 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,” added Choles.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/alex-news/157452/washing-hands-soap-water-opposed-cleaning-hand-sanitiser/
