Your toilet has a tiny aerosol cannon.
Think twice before you flush with the lid up. Researchers have been looking at what actually happens when we flush the toilet, and the results are enough to make you rethink your bathroom habits.
A new review from Flinders University looked at 22 studies into toilet flushing and found that it can send tiny airborne particles, known as aerosols, into the surrounding air. And here’s the gross part. Some of these particles can reach around adult breathing height.
They don’t disappear straight away
Researchers found that some toilet aerosols can remain suspended in the air for at least 20 seconds after flushing. So, if you’re the type to flush and immediately hang around brushing your teeth, you might want to rethink that routine.
Should we be closing the lid?
Closing the toilet lid before flushing is one simple precaution researchers suggest. It won’t completely stop aerosols from escaping, but it can help change where they travel.
Good ventilation and regular cleaning can also help reduce potential exposure. So next time you flush, maybe put the lid down first.
