Hot air and paper towels in the public bathroom
Like a lot of people I am more inclined to believe research that is in accord with my prior beliefs. Put another (Bayesian) way, I don’t have to change my beliefs much on the basis of evidence. That means I don’t question the evidence rigorously. So with that warning, here’s a story I instinctively believe because it accords with my prior beliefs — and preferences. It has to do with washing your hands after using a public bathroom. To be clear at the outset: I always wash my hands after using the bathroom. I’m not sure what the actual evidence for disease transmission is but I consider it an aesthetic matter and good etiquette. But I also hate the hot air hand dryers many public bath rooms have installed instead of providing towels . Yes, I know there’s a solid waste issue . But it takes longer and it doesn’t leave my hands feeling clean . Now a study of paper towels, warm air dryers and the unique Dyson Air Blade hand dryer , done at the University of Westminster and paid for by th...