See Disgusting Bacteria That Comes From Bathroom Hand Dryer

CARLSBAD, CA – A Carlsbad college student conducted a science experiment in a public restroom and the results have left people around the world shocked.

In a post on Facebook, Nichole Ward claimed that she put a Petri dish inside a Dyson hand dryer in a public restroom for three minutes. Two days later, she said an alarming amount of bacteria had grown in the dish.

"This is the several strains of possible pathogenic fungi and bacteria that you're swirling around your hands, and you think you're walking out with clean hands," Ward wrote on Facebook.

The photo, which was posted on Jan. 30, shows a bacteria-filled Petri dish.

Dyson said it was "surprised" by the results, but "unclear on the methodology" Ward used.

"We're very surprised to see these results, and unclear on the methodology employed," A Dyson spokesperson said in a statement to Patch.

"All Dyson Airblade hand dryers have HEPA filters that capture particles as small as bacteria from the washroom air before it leaves the machine. Dyson Airblade hand dryers are proven hygienic by university research and are trusted by hospitals, food manufacturers and businesses worldwide."

In an interview with Patch, Ward said the experiment was an assignment for a microbiology class. She said she intended to just share the results with her friends and family when she posted the photo on social media.

"I'm just a student, not a scientist and not a microbiologist," said Ward, adding that she will soon be starting a nursing program, though did not want to disclose what school she is attending.

"My purpose was for awareness, not to spread fear," she said of the post.

No matter Ward's background or methodology, the stomach-churning post has gone viral, even trending as a top story on Facebook.

As of Thursday afternoon, the post had been shared over 550,000 times. The post also had 143,000 reactions and dozens of comments.

Facebook users commented that the photo was "mind blowing."

"I never trusted those things and always dry my hands on my clothes if they have them in public restrooms," Tiffany Michelle Bevilacqua wrote. "Now I know why my gut said don't trust them!"

The post persuaded some to stop using public hand dryers.

"So freaking nasty!" Krystle Henderson wrote. "Never using one of those blowers again."

Nichole added that the experiment has changed the way she cleans her hands after using public bathrooms.

"From now on, I just wash and scrub and dry on my clothes, or shake and air dry outside of the (restroom)," she said.

Photo courtesy of Nichole Ward/Facebook