In this day and age, we have become aware of super-bugs and antibiotic resistance. Everything, from virus-laden kitchen sponges to bacteria-embedded computer keyboards, can cause a whole array of illnesses. Most of us might think that the most germ-ridden object, in our homes, would be the toilet seat, but believe it or not, there are any number of everyday items that harbor more bacteria and viruses than the seat of a toilet: cutting boards (especially the wooden variety), smart-phones, carpet, elevator buttons, and more ? this, according to good ol' Reader's Digest!
And what does all this have to do with an outdoor event you are planning for the near future? ? actually, everything. Whether you are helping to organize an ethnic festival, a corporate picnic, a sports event, or a block party, lots of portable bathroom visits become a reality. It goes without saying that washing one's hands after using the bathroom is critical, but the reasons why are more stunning than most of us realize. This is where hand-washing stations make their grand entrance.
Give Me the Science!
The hygienic importance of hand-washing stations being on-site for outdoor events ? whether public or private ? is far more shocking than one might think. Here's an eye-opening statement from the American Medical Association: One of the most important medical discoveries was revealed in 1847 when Dr. Ignaz Semmelweiss, an Austrian physician, discovered that fatal infections were spread among patients by doctors who failed to wash their hands between examinations! When a disinfecting procedure, finally, became utilized among doctors who diligently washed their hands with soap and water between patient visits, hospital mortality rates from infectious diseases, noticeably, declined.
With that being said, here is some additional insight as to why positioning hand-washing stations in work areas and recreational areas is so relevant to anyone's good health.
Waste Matter, Matters
Feces from people or animals is a powerful breeding ground for germs such as Salmonella, E. coli0157, and noro-virus. Infections from these germs can contribute to diarrhea and respiratory infections including adeno-virus and hand-foot-mouth disease ? schoolrooms, work environments, and home settings are all up for grabs to harbor this type of infection. The CDC tells us that up to 21 million cases of diarrhea and vomiting take place in the US, each year, due to viruses that have fecal origins.
Infectious germs can get onto one's hands after using the restroom as well as other ways, such as changing a baby's diaper or handling uncooked meats and not thoroughly washing hands, afterwards.
Hand-washing stations add an extra method of protection from illness-causing germs and viruses. The CDC makes it very clear that hand-washing, all on its own, is the most powerful preventative against disease. A few CDC statistics point this out ? In the US:
*** Hand-washing, alone, reduces the number of people who experience diarrhea-related illnesses, by 31%
*** Hand-washing, alone, reduces diarrhea-related illness in people with weakened immune systems, by 58%
*** Hand-washing, alone, reduces respiratory illnesses, such as colds, by up to 21%
*** Hand-washing, alone, can remove most germs ? 80% of communicable diseases are transmitted by touch
Hand-Washing Stations Do Their Part to Combat Sickness
When you clean your hands at a portable hand-washing station with liquid soap and water, you are taking the simplest measure to remove disease-causing germs from your hands that have the potential to cause sickness, plain and simple. This, in turn, reduces the number of antibiotics people are prescribed because they become ill. This, then, reduces the likelihood that antibiotic resistance can reach its potential. Antibiotics are, often, prescribed unnecessarily, and the overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance in every part of the globe. Antibiotic-resistant germs can be very difficult to treat.
According to the American Society for Microbiology, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death and sickness worldwide, and the 3rd-leading cause of death in the US. Hand-washing is the firstline of defense. The Center for Disease Control tells us that hand-washing is regarded as the single, most-important procedure for preventing the spread of infections to ourselves as well as others.
For your next event, the proactive approach is simple: utilize hand-washing stations and you will be doing your part to keep germs at bay ? it's a win-win situation for everyone!
Give ChemCan a Call!
ChemCan offers hand-washing stations that are self-contained, fully stocked, and ready when you are! We offer 2-station and 4-station configurations. Give us a call and we will, gladly, answer any questions you have.
Fort Worth Office: 817-568-2333 or Dallas Office: 214-935-9017
Visit our website www.chemcans.com