The numbers are off the charts: it became known how many people do not wash their hands after using the toilet

To mark World Handwashing Day, which is celebrated in October, the Food Safety Council has published a report. Interestingly, 19% of Australians surveyed admitted that they don't always wash their hands after using the toilet.

The study also shows gender differences in this matter. Men are less likely than women to wash their hands after going to the toilet (80% vs. 83%) or before touching food (55% of men vs. 62% of women), Food Safety writes.

Lydia Buchtmann, Director General of the Food Safety Council, said that thorough hand washing, using running water and soap, and drying hands reduces the chances of adding to the statistics of food poisoning. The scientist cites data from Australia, where approximately 4.67 million people are diagnosed with food poisoning every year as a result of unwashed hands. Of these, 47,900 require immediate hospitalization, and 38 cases end in death.

"During COVID-19, there was a slight improvement in handwashing, but now it seems we are going back to old habits," said Lydia Buchtmann.

In addition to gender differences, the study shows differences by age. Young people are less likely than older age groups to wash their hands after using the toilet (69% of those under 34 vs. 86% of those over 65). But before eating, young people and older people wash their hands in almost the same percentage (67% of those under 34 vs. 66% of those over 65).

Interestingly, when people turn 35, handwashing improves. Experts suggest that parenthood plays a role here. After all, mothers and fathers must set an example for their children.

According to the researchers, the youngest group of people aged 18 to 24 performed better in washing their hands after using the toilet (76%) compared to the next age group of 25 to 34 (69%). In addition, the younger group was better at washing after handling raw meat (81%) compared to 73% of those aged 25 to 34.

The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine emphasizes that proper hand hygiene helps prevent infections. After all, people often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing that germs can enter the body and cause illness.

Germs from unwashed hands can also get into food and drink when people prepare or consume it. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as handrails, toys, tables, and then onto another person's hands.

Experts advise following four simple rules for proper handwashing:

1. Wet your hands and rub them together well to create a nice lather with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and don't forget to wash between your fingers and under your nails.
2. Rinse well under running water to remove dirt from your hands.
3. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel for at least 20 seconds. Touching surfaces with wet hands helps spread germs from the surface to your hands.
4. If there is no running water, use an alcohol gel to wipe your hands.

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