Attention those with respiratory and skin diseases: Stay away from hand dryers

Shopping malls, restaurants, gas stations, and the restrooms of crowded places may have hand dryers that can be harmful to health. Highlighting that these devices can cause respiratory diseases and certain skin conditions, Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan warned, “Especially those with such conditions should be extra cautious and stay away.”

In crowded centers, the widely used jet-type hand dryers can be harmful to health. Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan, an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Beylikdüzü Medicana Hospital, made various statements regarding this issue, stating, “These machines have two fundamental features. The first is that they produce heat and blow hot air onto users’ hands and the surrounding area with high pressure. This process creates two main risks. This high heat can serve as a reservoir for the reproduction of bacteria that are resistant to high temperatures, which we call thermal resistance.”

“Alternative systems like towel-type drying systems can be used”

Prof. Dr. Turhan pointed out that while trying to protect against bacteria and create hygiene, these devices can actually pose a serious risk to public health. “On the other hand, the jet-type physical effect with high pressure can also create a separate risk for the spread of bacteria into the environment. Thus, even the models with the lowest power of hand dryers pose a significant risk to public health. When the device is turned on, it directly transfers harmful particles inside to your hand. Installing a HEPA filter for the particles they emit is not entirely sufficient. The HEPA filter blocks 75% of the particles, but there is still a dangerous 25% left. As we can see, especially in places like large shopping malls, the cleaning of these devices is often not done properly. Therefore, the use of such devices in public areas seems to be harmful to health. Instead, alternative systems like towel-type drying systems can be used,” he stated.

“Those using immunosuppressive drugs should also be cautious”

Prof. Dr. Turhan concluded his remarks by adding: “Everyone goes to crowded places. Individuals using immunosuppressive drugs, including children, the elderly, and the young, are also included. There may be sick individuals. These devices can cause respiratory infections as well as certain skin diseases. Those with respiratory problems or skin diseases and those using immunosuppressive drugs should also stay extra away from these devices and be cautious.”