Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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ETS participates at FIS 2017
The European Tissue Symposium has confirmed its presence at FIS 2017 taking place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham from 30th November - 2nd December. The annual conference of the Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) will gather scientists, microbiologists and other experts from around the world.
In addition to exhibiting on Stand 21 in Hall 3 throughout the event, ETS will be hosting a Symposium slot - 'Drying hands matters - is the risk worthwhile' - at 10.00 on Saturday 2nd December in Hall 1.
Leading microbiologist, Professor Mark Wilcox (pictured) of the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals, will present the results of his latest pilot study on microbial contamination in a hospital washroom environment.
The study, sponsored by ETS, examined two men's washrooms within one hospital for seven days during a three-month period. One offered single-use paper towels as the method of hand drying after hand washing, and the other a jet air dryer. The washrooms were used by hospital staff, visitors and patients.
The findings could have significant implications for the choice of hand-drying method in public washrooms. Particularly, in a healthcare setting where limiting the spread of micro-organisms is paramount, due to the increased susceptibility of patients to infection and the greater prevalence of potential and/or antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"We are delighted that Professor Wilcox will be sharing the results of his latest research at such a prestigious event," comments ETS chairman, Fanis Papakostas.
"Appropriate hand drying after hand washing is essential in helping to minimise the spread of infection and the type of hand-drying device offered in public washrooms should be carefully chosen - especially where there are overriding cross-contamination concerns such as in hospitals and the food industry."
Previous studies undertaken by the Universities of Leeds and Westminster have shown that electric hand dryers are more likely to disperse bacteria and viruses than single-use towels, generating aerosols that can contaminate the air, the washroom environment and other users, reports ETS, whose members represent the majority of tissue paper producers throughout Europe and around 90% of the total European tissue production.
23rd November 2017