The European
Tissue Symposium (ETS) has confirmed its presence at FIS 2017 taking place at
the International Convention Centre, Birmingham from 30 November – 2 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
taking a booth at Stand 21 in Hall 3 throughout the event, ETS will be hosting
a Symposium slot – “Drying hands matters – is the risk worthwhile” – at 10.00h
on Saturday 2 December in Hall 1.
Leading
microbiologist, Professor Mark Wilcox 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,” commented 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.
ETS is the
European Tissue Paper Industry Association. The members of ETS represent the
majority of tissue paper producers throughout Europe and around 90% of the
total European tissue production. ETS was founded in 1971 and is based in
Brussels.
