A Japanese research team led by Takashi Fukuda at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of closing toilet lids in preventing disease spread. Using a water-saving Japanese toilet, they found that closing the lid reduced aerosol generation to a quarter of that with the lid open, though some particles still escaped. Virus samples placed in the bowl showed minimal risk of infection from surfaces like toilet seats or walls. The team recommends closing the lid, standing 15 cm away when flushing, and cleaning nearby walls regularly.
A study from the University of Arizona found that closing the toilet lid before flushing does not substantially reduce cross-contamination of bathroom surfaces by airborne bacterial and viral particles. However, adding a disinfectant to the toilet bowl before flushing and using disinfectant dispensers in the tank significantly reduce cross-contamination. The study involved experiments with E. coli and coliphage MS2 in both public and household toilets, and found that rigorous cleaning with a toilet bowl brush and Lysol reduced contamination by 99.99 percent. The researchers recommend the use of disinfectants to reduce restroom cross-contamination associated with toilet flushing, especially in health care facilities and households with active infections.
Researchers from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser found that closing the lid on a toilet does not prevent the spread of aerosolised germs, suggesting that regular disinfection of toilets is crucial to reduce contamination and prevent the spread of viruses. Their study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, tested viral particles in residential and public toilets, concluding that while a closed lid led to elevated contamination levels in certain areas, it did not significantly impact the spread of viral particles. The research emphasizes the importance of using disinfectants and scrub brushes to prevent the spread of viral pathogens in bathrooms.
Research from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser debunks the belief that flushing the toilet with the lid down prevents the spread of viral particles, finding that it does little to stop pathogens from contaminating surrounding surfaces. The only effective prevention methods were disinfecting the toilet and using a scrub brush. The study showed that closing the lid before flushing led to elevated contamination levels in certain areas, and using a disinfectant during cleaning significantly reduced viral contamination on adjacent surfaces. Regular disinfection of toilets is emphasized to reduce contamination and prevent the spread of viruses.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that flushing the toilet with the lid down does not prevent the spread of small germs, as microscopic viral particles were found all over the restroom regardless of the lid position. While closing the lid did alter the trajectory of germs, the best way to reduce spread is by disinfecting the toilet, water, and nearby surfaces. Germs can linger for about 30 minutes after flushing, so it's advised to keep personal items away from the bathroom and avoid using your phone in there.
A study by microbiologist Charles Gerba and his team at the University of Arizona found that whether you flush the toilet with the lid open or closed makes little difference in preventing the spread of viral particles. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, revealed that viral particles spread to the floor and nearby surfaces regardless of the lid position. The only effective way to reduce the spread of germs is to regularly disinfect the toilet, toilet water, and nearby surfaces. Other researchers suggest keeping the lid closed, routine use of disinfectants, hand washing, and avoiding handling personal items in the restroom to minimize exposure to germs.
Using your phone on the toilet can have negative health consequences. Sitting and straining while scrolling can cause hemorrhoids to engorge with blood, leading to pain, swelling, or bleeding. Additionally, taking your phone to the bathroom exposes it to bacteria, including E.coli, which can cause illness. Many people do not clean their phones regularly, making them dirtier than the toilet seat. To reduce the risk, limit the time spent on the toilet, wash hands thoroughly, clean the phone regularly, and ensure the toilet seat is down when flushing.
