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Abstract Various surfaces in the WPI
freshman residence hall bathrooms were tested for bacteria. Ways to
reduce bacteria counts were explored.
Need To minimize the risk of pathogen transmission between students through contact with bathroom
surfaces Approach
• Test WPI freshman residence hall bathroom surfaces to determine the amount of bacteria
• Conduct a survey to find prevalence of disease and perceptions of bathroom surfaces
• Create a hands-free door opening prototype
Data
Results • Survey predictions of MOST to
LEAST bacteria: 1. Sink Faucet Handle (42.4%) 2. Door Handle (38.8%) 3. Garbage Can Flap (16.4%) 4. Paper Towel Dispenser
(1.81%) • Actual order of MOST to LEAST
bacteria: 1. Paper Towel Dispenser 2. Garbage Can Flap 3. Sink Faucet Handle 4. Door Handle
Recommendations • Method for drying hands:
Automatic paper towel dispenser • Garbage: Remove garbage flap • Sink: Replace faucet handles with
wrist blade handles • Door: Install door opening device
References 1. Kaye, K. S. (2011, November ). Public restrooms contained too many bacteria to count | Infectious Disease News. Retrieved Oct 21, 2011. 2. Laino, C. (2011, Oct 21). Bacteria Are Hard to Avoid in Public Bathrooms. Retrieved Oct 24, 2012. 3. Sansoni, Hyde, (2010). Public Handwashing Takes a Hike. American Cleaning Institute.
Yes 82%
No 18%
Yes 65%
No 35%
Doo
r Han
dle
Gar
bage
Fla
p Si
nk F
auce
t
Pape
r Tow
el
Yes 73%
No 27%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0%
Sink Faucet
Door Handle
Garbage Flap
Paper Towel
Bacteria on Bathroom Surfaces
Kevin Ackerman (Biomedical Engineering), Amanda Baltazar (Biomedical Engineering), Chelsea Conlon (Chemical Engineering), Hazel Fargher (Chemistry)
Advisors: Professor Jill Rulfs (Biology), Professor Helen Vassallo (Management)
Student Predictions on Hand-Washing
Student Claims on Hand-Washing
Actual Student Hand-Washing
Acknowledgments Thank you to Jack Ferraro for his
assistance and generosity in helping us to build our door
opening prototype.
Background • Common surfaces in public
restrooms contain: ▪ Staphylococcus aureus [1] ▪ Escherichia coli [1]
▪ Fecal bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, known to cause urinary tract and wound infections.[2]
• Nationally, only 85% of people wash their hands after using the bathroom.[3]
• At WPI, only 73% of freshmen wash their hands after using the bathroom.
Student Predictions for Surface Bacteria Counts