New study shows contamination is possible from paper towels

A new study by researchers at Laval University in Quebec City shows us that paper towels, especially those that are made from recycled paper, could actually carry germs. Researchers also found that contaminants can be found on everyday items including toilet paper, newspapers and business cards.

Main contaminats comes from something called Bisphenal-A, or BPA. The study is the first of its kind (given the products that were researched) and suggests that because of the variety of products mentioned there is a higher level of contamination possible. The BPA product most often contaminates food and drinks served in plastic bottles.

Levels of BPA exposure to the general population are much lower. These items are just one more that can be added to the list of products that result in people coming into contact with BPA.

The research, which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control, states that more germs can actually be spread after people wash their hands when they use paper towels.

"In our study, the concentration of bacteria in the recycled paper was between 100 to  1000-fold higher," according to researchers in a CBS article. A study was conducted using six towel brands.  It showed that all brands contained germs.

Why then is recycled paper actually worse when it comes to bacteria? Researchers claim it's what is used in the making of the product. Recycled paper often contains binding ingredients such as starches and fillers.

It is important to note that the majority of people are not at risk, at least not a high level of risk. The authors point out in the CBS article that they are not suggesting that all paper towels pose a danger. The highest risk could come from certain clinical or industrial settings and for people who already have immune disorders.

Bacillus, one of the  17 bacterial species found on the towels, was found to be the most common contaminant. Bacillus is transferable via hands and is often linked to food poisoning. The problem can actually be linked back to the paper mills.

"Because of their high resistance to a wide range of chemical and physical agents," authors wrote, "Bacillus spores may survive the various procedures encountered in the papermaking process."   

Many paper towel companies have come out to defend their product. One argues towels will always work better than dryers because dryers often contain bacteria on the actual device.

UNO's restrooms use paper towels that are protected. Marcia Adler, Director of UNO's Health Services, isn't concerned with the bacteria issue.

"If I thought there was a concern I would certainly act," she said. "I'm notified at both the state and local level if there is a health issue. Paper towels have never come across my radar." She adds that her primary logic is based on "the science."

Adler also points out that it's not really the paper towels that are the problem but where they are found in the restroom. Other research has shown that when paper towel containers are found near the actual toilets. Paper towels are more likely to have germs on them when the paper towel racks brush the counter or the actual trash cans.

Adler doesn't believe that paper towels are the issue here. "It's not the paper towels that are the problem but in the way they are used or reused," Adler said. "How many times have you seen someone wipe their hands and then wipe the counter? Problems often come more from human error."