Poor hygiene is threatening public health and RSPH believes that, on World Toilet Day - Wednesday November 19 - the developed world has no reason to be complacent about its loo routines.

Toilet germs are spreading fast, with almost 50% of adults in the UK failing to dry their hands after using a public toilet, and one in six adults admitting that they don't wash their hands every time(1). This lax approach to basic hygiene means germs from the toilet are left on the door handles, the flush handle and the taps, spreading germs on to the hands, and then into the food of everyone who touches the contaminated items.

Poor hygiene practices mean that millions of people are harbouring germs because they haven't washed and dried their hands after using the toilet. Wet hands pick up more germs than dry ones, and transfer them more readily, so drying hands is just as important as washing them with soap and hot water.

Professor Richard Parish, chief executive of RSPH, commented: "We know hand washing and drying could prevent up to half of all acute respiratory infections in this country and this, in turn, could save up to £80 million on annual GP consultations(2). Hand washing is even more effective at preventing acute gastrointestinal infections(3)."

He adds: "Public toilets are a key link in this chain, whether located in shops, restaurants or other places. It is vital that our public health is protected by the provision of clean toilets, using modern technology to allow us to wash and dry our hands effectively when away from home."

Dr Ros Stanwell-Smith, scientific advisor to RSPH, said: "The ready provision of clean and accessible toilets is the sign of a healthy civilisation. By ensuring that toilets are available in public places and that they are well supplied with hand washing and drying facilities, we could make a real difference to the public health of our nation, particularly at this time of year when colds and flu are prevalent."