In 1998 a study sponsored by a major paper towel manufacturer put forth evidence that older hand dryers are likely to spread bacteria if not properly maintained. The key to any industry study is to know who is putting the money into that study, several independent studies have come out recently which show that hand dryers are just as sanitary, if not more sanitary than paper towels. The key to being sanitary is good design when it comes to hand dryer, if the air that’s being passed through hand dryers is hot enough, then bacteria can’t survive.