A recent study found that over 3,700 bathroom users, one in 10 did not wash their hands at all, just two in three used soap, and only one in 20 washed for 15 seconds which is still 5 seconds SHORT of what is recommended. This may explain some of the cause of 50 million food-borne illnesses each year.
There are a number interesting findings. Men washed with soap only 50 % of the time but women washed with soap 78%. If the sink was dirty less had washing was done but the type of sink, motion detection and standard faucet did not change any statistics. Reminder signs, morning over later in the day, and older individuals all resulted in more hand washing with or without soap.
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Despite this study, there are others which leave more questions. Although hand washing is recommended for 20 seconds, another found 30 seconds was better. For surgery, we scrub for at least 5 minutes when using soap. The amount of soap is unknown for optimal cleansing. Friction is also important as is just rinsing with water in providing health benefits.
As one researcher put it, “It’s part of being a civilized person.”
From Carl Bialik, WSJ.
Healthy living,
