Do you actually know why you should always keep the toilet lid closed while flushing?
Every time a toilet is flushed, bacteria and viruses are thrown into the air from the toilet bowl via small water droplets – so-called aerosols.
Sars and influenza viruses and noroviruses, among others, have been detected in the particles that can get into the air. However, many public toilets do not have a toilet seat.
In a study by researchers at the University of Colorado, these aerosols have now been made visible using a laser. The speed of the particles was measured.
The individual images show how the tiny particles spread and are whirled higher and higher over time.
Eight seconds after the flush was activated, the aerosols have already reached a height of around 1.5 meters.
According to the study, contaminated aerosols can reach the mucous membranes of an average-sized American woman, who is 1.62 meters tall. A risk of falling ill cannot be ruled out as a result.
The research has the potential to influence future toilet bowl designs. Possibly other forms of toilet bowls can minimize airborne water droplets.
Until then, it is best to close the toilet lid before flushing.
Source: scientific reports