Faecal bacteria found on 30% of people's hands

Almost 30% of people have faecal bacteria on their hands, according to a recent study.

Scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine swabbed people at bus and train stations in five major cities throughout the UK.

Of the 409 people tested, 113 had faecal matter on their hands. Scientists were shocked by the figures, which were much higher than expected.

The further north, the more faecal bacteria was found on hands, with 83% of people swabbed in Newcastle having traces of faecal matter on their hands.

Men were found to be the dirtiest in the north - 53% of men in Newcastle and 36% of men in Liverpool, compared to just 6% in Euston, London.

However, women were by far the worst offenders in London, Cardiff and Birmingham.

It also discovered high rates of hand contamination in people who take the bus rather than the train.

Newcastle

Men – 53% Women – 30%

Liverpool

Men – 36% Women – 31%

Birmingham

Men – 21% Women – 26%

Cardiff

Men – 15% Women 29%

Euston, London

Men – 6% Women – 21%

Experts said the findings suggest people are not washing their hands properly or at all after going to the toilet and stressed the need to wash hands.

Scientists believed that social factors may contribute to the problem, as we live in a cleaner environment we no longer feel the need to wash our hands as regularly.

The most common bacteria found were Enterococci (22%) and Escherichia Coli (9%), which come from gut, and although they are harmless, if anyone is carrying a diarrhoeal disease, it would likely be spread around quickly.

Handing washing is important in controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea, vomiting, cold and flu.

The facts are even more worrying, as The Health Protection Agency found in recent weeks cases of the norovirus, or more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, are rising and we are now in the annual norovirus season.

The norovirus is the most common gastrointestinal disease in the UK, which peaks between October and March. It affects 600,000 to 1m people a year and is highly infectious in situations where people are in close contact.

It is recommended that you wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating and handling food, handling animals, and covering all cuts and scratches with waterproof dressings.

The Dirty Hands Study was part of the world’s first Global Hand Washing Day to raise importance of hand hygiene in public health.

Take a look at our recommended hand washes and scrubs, which can kill potentially dangerous bacteria. We suggest Guest Handwash and Guest Handrub, Hydex Derma, Hibiscrub, Silvatec Soap and Essence products.

To reduce the risk of spreading and catching bacteria, you should wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from contamination from patients and vice versa.