Unused Toilet Tissue Can Overgrown Bacteria

News Health Articles - Unused Toilet Tissue Can Overgrown Bacteria. After washing hands, many people use the new tissue to dry because it is considered cleaner than with a spray of hot air. However, tissue can also be overgrown with bacteria, even when the condition is new or has not been used.

Several types of bacteria found in the tissue can cause pain. According to the study, the bacteria can be transferred to the hands after washing hands. The results of these studies have been published in the American Journal of Infection Control.



"But the study found no association of disease with the use of toilet paper. The results of these studies are very important for people who were in hospital isolation units and those with weakened immune function. Because people should be more circumspect careful about contact with germs, "the researchers said as quoted by WebMD, Thursday (12/29/2011).

Researchers at Laval University in Canada tested six brands of toilet paper commercial. The researchers handed out the paper towels in some public toilets. Then the researchers found the bacteria in all the toilet paper. But tissue made from recycled fiber is a type of bacteria most contaminated tissue.

"In that study, the concentration of bacteria in the recycled paper is approximately 100-1000 times higher," said the researchers.

Most of the bacteria found on toilet paper is the bacterium Bacillus. Many Bacillus strains can produce toxins that cause food poisoning. One brand of toilet paper containing the bacteria Bacillus cereus. Apart from food poisoning, B. cereus has been associated with infections of the eyes, lungs, blood, and central nervous system.

Although the amount found B. cereus probably will not harm healthy people, but researchers note may be more dangerous for people who have weakened immune systems. People who have weakened immune systems, such as infants and the elderly, as well as a few people who take drugs that suppress immune function.

"This finding is interesting because we do not think about the toilet paper that turns a lot of contaminated bacteria. It makes me wonder about the kitchen roll. Tissues are usually placed for all kinds of uses in direct contact with food, for example for food packaging. As well as facial tissue, are often in contact with the area close to the eyes and nose, "said Elizabeth Scott, PhD, a co-director of the Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community at Simmons College, Boston.

"People should not think that it's better to not wash your hands, if only to have toilet paper available for drying hands after hand washing. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is still the most ideal rules. Especially after doing activities that significantly can increase the exposure to germs. If there are alternative air dryer to dry hands in public restrooms, perhaps it is the healthiest choice, "said Angela Golden, DNP of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.