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The interior of a hand dryer is dry and frequently heated, creating a poor environment for the propagation of microorganisms. Researchers have found no evidence of actual growth of bacteria or fungi inside a dryer. Bacteria counts are often lower inside the dryer than on other surfaces in the restroom, such as sinks, door knobs and soap dispensers.

Another area of debate is the use of HEPA filters inside the hand dryers. Some hand dryer manufacturers question whether they are just a marketing tool or are truly helpful.

“When you walk into a commercial restroom, you don’t see people with gas masks on. Our units are using the same air that you breathe,” says Robert.

Palmer Fixture’s Blustorm hand dryer includes an optional HEPA filter that can be purchased separately. Kampschroer explains, “The filter is applied to where the air comes into the dryer, preventing it from sucking up bacteria and spreading it around. The filter captures at least 90 percent of large airborne particles such as smoke, bacteria mold spores, dust mite debris, pollen and many other microns.”

GREATER POPULARITY

Electric hand dryers have been way more popular in European countries than in the United States. For the last 15 to 20 years, hand dryers have been a staple in European commercial restrooms. However, the future is looking up in the United States.

“Hand dryers have become a more popular option,” says Gagnon. “They are being endorsed by schools, hospitals and government buildings.”

Some dryers are now approved by the General Services Administration (GSA) and help federal facilities become ‘High Performance Sustainable Buildings,’ a focus of President Obama’s Stimulus Bill.