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

Why Identity Governance Is Becoming a Facilities Management Issue

As healthcare buildings grow more connected, weak identity controls can expose HVAC, security and other critical systems to serious risk.


Habitat Health Opens South Los Angeles PACE Center

The new center strengthens the local care infrastructure, delivering integrated medical, social and in-home care.


Denton County MHMR Center Suffers a Data Breach

The incident occurred on or around December 24, 2024.


What Every EVS Leader Needs To Know

Managers must demonstrate mastery of infection prevention standards, accountability through measurable outcomes and visible collaboration with clinical teams.


Blackbird Health Opens New Clinic in New Jersey

The new clinic is located in Mount Laurel.


 
 


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.