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