Studies show health risks when using bulk soap from open refillable soap dispensers

Studies, conducted by the University of Arizona, under the direction of Charles P. Gerba, showed that approximately 23 to 25% of samples taken from open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers were contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria.

Coliforms, illness causing fecal-based organisms, were found in 16 to 22% of the samples.

The amount of contamination was higher in samples collected from health and fitness facilities.

There, 33% of random samples taken from open refillable soap dispensers were contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria.

Coliforms, illness causing fecal-based organisms, were found in over 50% of the contaminated samples.

Gerba suspected that the number of contaminates were higher due to the warmer environment in showers and sinks located in locker room areas.

In contrast, no bacterial contamination was found in soap dispensed from sealed systems.

The findings from these studies were presented at a recent meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in Toronto, Canada and will be presented in June at the National Environmental Health Association's Annual Conference.

The studies, which were funded in part by GOJO Industries of Akron, OH, concluded that the open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers are a breeding ground for germs and can result in a public health risk.

Open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers utilize a refillable container from which product is dispensed.

It is refilled by pouring soap into the container on an “as needed” basis.

According to Gerba, the only safe solution to the risks of using open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers is to use sealed systems.

Sealed systems utilize refill cartridges that are sealed during the manufacturing process. These high-capacity refills are used once and then discarded when empty.

The studies showed that no pathogens were found in soap collected from sealed systems.