Using a public toilet? Mask up!

Think you don’t need to worry about COVID-19 while using a public toilet?

A group of researchers from Yangzhou University in China recently reported that flushing public toilets can release clouds of virus-laden aerosols for you to potentially inhale.

If that’s not cringeworthy enough, after running additional computer simulations, they’ve concluded that flushing urinals does likewise.

The researchers’ work clearly shows public restrooms can be dangerous places for potentially becoming infected from a virus, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other work has shown that both faeces- and urine-based virus transmission is possible.

Flushing a urinal, much like flushing a toilet, involves an interaction between gas and liquid interfaces. The result of the flushing causes a large spread of aerosol particles to be released from the urinal, which the researchers simulated and tracked.

When men use urinals within a public toilet, these tiny particles can reach their thigh within 5.5 seconds when compared to the toilet flush, which takes 35 seconds to reach slightly higher.

This work underscores how important it is to wear a mask within public places but especially toilets.

Read the study.

Have you stopped using public toilets during the pandemic? Do you wear a mask if you are using a public toilet?

3 comments

PLEASE can we remember what masks do? They significantly reduce the GENERATION of aerosols but offer little protection to stop the virus being inhaled.  Wearing a mask protects others including the selfish who claim to be entitled! 

If you do some research I am  sure you will find that good masks work both ways.

Let's not give anyone an excuse not to wear one.

I haven't used a public toilet since lockdown started..but if I do in the future, I will certainly be taking all the necessary precautions.

Even at home, it makes sense to close the lid before flushing.

Yes it is most important whether in public or at home to close the lid before flushing.

They check for Covid through the sewage system and the flush causes the covid to bubble up.

Suze, this has only been talked about as an idea.  I am sure there will be a lot of things to be worked through before it becomes a reality, if at all.  Does it actually work?  If so, someone has to collect samples, someone has to do testing, etc etc.  Where is it goiing to happen, all over Australia or just in one suburb of Melbourne?  And most importantly WHO is going to pay for it.

Don't let your imagination run away with you, I suspect we are a long way from this being a reality.

 

John inMelb

Actually Covid Sewage Testing is currently being used in ACT

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-03/canberra-free-from-known-coronavirus-cases-sewage-confirms/12418272

Some 30 years ago I was travelling through Europe

What caught my attention was that there were no taps in the public toilets.

They used touchless faucets with a motion sensor which operated just placing your hand under the spout to start the water flow, and the water stopped when you take your hand away.

Why is Australia not using technology like this in public toilets which is so much more hygienic ???

 

 

Hands free taps and soap dispensers similar to these have been in use in Perth for ages.

 

How will public bathrooms change post-COVID-19?

3 comments



To make a comment, please register or login

Preview your comment