Source: Doug Powell, 785-532-4039, dpowell@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/powellbio.html
News release prepared by: Shelby Haag, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008
DUDE, WASH YOUR HANDS: K-STATE PROFESSOR EXPLAINS PROPER HAND WASHING
MANHATTAN -- Proper hand washing with the proper tools -- soap, water and paper towels -- can significantly reduce the chance of getting some food-borne and other illnesses, according to Kansas State University's Doug Powell, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology and scientific director of the International Food Safety Network.
Powell says people should always wash their hands before handling or preparing food and:
* after using the toilet;
* before handling ready-to-eat food;
* after handling raw food;
* after changing diapers;
* after playing with or cleaning up after pets;
* and after handling garbage.
People are continuously exposed to various bacteria and viruses because of improper hand washing or lack of hand washing, Powell said. The bacteria and viruses can be spread by something as simple as shaking hands.
Disease-causing microorganisms such as campylobacter, shigella, hepatitis A, E. coli 0157:H7 and salmonella can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route, especially when people fail to wash their hands after using the toilet, Powell said. He also said that according to a study by the American Society for Microbiology, 23 percent of people who use public restrooms do not wash their hands when they are done.
Powell said the steps in proper hand washing, based on the preponderance of available evidence, are to:
* wet hands with water;
* use enough soap to build a good lather;
* scrub hands vigorously, creating friction and reaching all areas of the fingers and hands for at least 10 seconds to loosen pathogens on the fingers and hands;
* rinse hands with thorough amounts of water while continuing to rub hands;
* then dry hands with a paper towel because the friction from rubbing hands with paper towels helps remove additional bacteria and viruses.
Powell said water temperature is not a critical factor when washing hands. Water hot enough to kill dangerous bacteria and viruses would scald hands, so use a temperature that is comfortable.
Powell also said that the next time you visit a bathroom that is missing soap, water or paper towels, to let someone in charge know.