Why do I have to flush the toilet with the lid closed...Pathogens spread up to 2.6 times
Feb 19, 2025
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However, operating a ventilator greatly reduces this risk.
A joint research team at the University of Earth Sciences in Wuhan, China, recently published the results of investigating and analyzing pathogens released into the air after toilet use in the international journal `Risk Analysis.'
The researchers installed and examined squatting toilets and bidet toilets in each bathroom.
As a result, bioaerosols (fine biological particles floating in the atmosphere) were released from both types of toilets.
However, the amount of toilet discharge was higher in the squat type of toilet.
In particular, S.aureus was 1.7 to 2.6 times more common and E.coli 1.2 to 1.4 times more common than the bidet toilet.
It has also been shown that feces also affect the concentration of bacteria.
When water was lowered in the absence of feces, S.aureus was detected 1.3 to 1.8 times lower and E.coli 1.2 to 1.4 times lower than in the presence of feces.
However, the researchers said that if the toilet lid is closed and water is drained while the ventilator is operated, exposure to pathogens can be reduced by one-tenth.
This is because when flushing the toilet, it swirls and splashes of water spread bacteria hidden in the feces into the air.
The researchers explained "This study has shown that toilet design and ventilation systems are important to reduce bioaerosol emissions and associated health risks."
Meanwhile, Staphylococcus aureus causes rash and pain when infected with the skin, and cellulitis may occur. When infected with the bacteria due to food poisoning, symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever appear. When infected with E. coli, they suffer from vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headaches. Depending on the type of bacteria, convulsive abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and sticky mucus may come out.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
