Differences between Hand Dryer and Paper Towels
Contents
Hand dryer vs. paper towel
Public restrooms utilize different methods for hand drying, primarily electric air dryers and disposable paper towels. The selection between these methods involves considerations of hygiene, environmental impact, cost, and user preference. Drying hands is a necessary step in hand hygiene because damp skin transfers microorganisms more effectively than dry skin. Paper towels remove moisture through friction and absorption, while electronic dryers use air to evaporate or blow water off the skin surface.
Comparison table
| Feature | Hand dryer | Paper towel |
|---|---|---|
| Drying mechanism | Evaporation or air pressure | Mechanical friction and absorption |
| Drying speed | 10 to 45 seconds | 5 to 10 seconds |
| Bacterial removal | Minimal (may disperse microbes) | Physical removal via friction |
| Noise level | 70 to 100 decibels | Negligible |
| Primary waste | None at point of use | Used paper (landfill or compost) |
| Upfront cost | High (purchase and installation) | Low (dispenser purchase) |
| Operating cost | Low (electricity only) | High (continuous restocking) |
| Maintenance | Periodic mechanical checks | Frequent refilling and waste removal |
Hygiene and bacterial transfer
Research regarding the hygienic efficacy of drying methods often focuses on bacterial dispersal. A review published in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" examined several studies and concluded that paper towels are more effective at removing bacteria that remain on the hands after washing. The friction of the paper against the skin physically lifts pathogens away.
High-speed jet dryers, which do not use heat, dry hands faster than traditional warm-air models. However, studies in the "Journal of Applied Microbiology" found that high-velocity air streams can disperse microbes into the surrounding air. These particles can travel up to 1.5 meters from the device. Traditional warm-air dryers, which rely on evaporation, take longer to reach a dry state, which sometimes leads users to stop before their hands are fully dry.
Environmental impact
The environmental footprint of hand-drying methods is measured through life-cycle assessments. Paper towels require timber harvesting, chemical pulping, and transportation. Most paper towels are not recyclable because they are contaminated by water and biological matter during use, leading to increased landfill volume. Some facilities use recycled paper or compostable towels to reduce this impact.
Electric dryers have a higher initial carbon cost during manufacturing. Once installed, their environmental impact depends on the source of the electricity. If the power comes from renewable sources, the operational footprint is low. A study by the Climate Conservancy found that over a five-year period, high-speed dryers produced fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the production and disposal of paper towels.
Economic factors
Economic considerations for facilities include both initial investment and ongoing labor. Electric dryers require a higher initial expenditure for the units and electrical wiring. Operational costs are generally lower because electricity is less expensive than purchasing paper.
Paper towel systems have low initial costs for dispensers. The long-term costs include the purchase of paper and the labor required to restock dispensers and empty waste bins. Clogged toilets due to improper disposal of paper towels can also lead to plumbing expenses.
