Steve Rusell/Toronto Star

Hospital elevator button called bacterial hotspot

Study says hospital elevator buttons were dirtier than toilet surfaces


A new study in the journal Open Medicine has revealed that hospital elevator buttons were dirtier than toilet surfaces, according to an article on the Vox website.

The research, conducted by three physicians, compared the amounts of bacteria living on 120 elevator buttons and 96 toilet surfaces at three hospitals in Toronto, Ontario.

The prevalence of bacteria on elevator buttons was 61 percent. On the toilets, it was 43 percent.

However, the kinds of bacteria the researchers found are unlikely to make people sick, the article said.

The researchers suggested placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers outside elevators, enlarge elevator buttons so that people can use their elbows to push them or make the elevator experience touchless.

Read the article.

 



July 16, 2014


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


AdventHealth to Open Aurora Highlands Medical Campus

AdventHealth Aurora Highlands includes a 24-hour freestanding emergency room, outpatient imaging and clinic services.


The Future of Healthcare Facility Construction Projects

Brian Cowperthwaite highlights the invisible work that impacts everyone who walks through a healthcare facility.


Arnprior Regional Health Upgrades Building Controls to Improve IEQ

Case study: They wanted to improve the hospital facility’s IEQ to support patient care and reduce long-term operating costs.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.