BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Men are dirtier than women. According to a new U.S. observational study, 90 percent of women wash their hands after using a public restroom, compared with 75 percent of men.

    The results were based on research conducted by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association.

    In August, researchers observed 6,336 people at aquariums, train stations, markets and sports facilities in four major U.S. cities. They lingered in public restrooms, putting on makeup or combing their hair, while surreptitiously counting.

    A second study was conducted by telephone, asking Americans how frequently they wash their hands after using a public restroom. 91 percent of those polled said they wash their hands every time they use a communal restroom.

    When researchers took a look for themselves, however, they found that only 83 per cent of those who used public restrooms later lathered up.

    "Although many Americans are beginning to recognize the importance of washing their hands, we still need to reach many others," Judy Daly, director of microbiology labs at Salt Lake City's Primary Children's Medical Center, said.

    Researchers say hand washing is the single most important thing people can do to stop the spread of illness and reduce the risk of getting sick.

    For instance, contrary to what many people believe, experts say cold and flu viruses are spread by hands more often than through the air from sneezing. Enditem

    (Agencies)