Study Finds Closing Toilet Lid Does Not Prevent Spread of Germs, Disinfection Necessary
In the ongoing debate over whether to close the toilet lid or leave it open when flushing, scientists have come to a disappointing conclusion: neither option is effective in stopping the spread of dangerous germs. Microbiologist Charles Gerba and his research team at the University of Arizona conducted a study that found closing the lid on a residential toilet does not prevent the spread of viral particles from a flushed toilet. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, concluded that the only meaningful way to reduce the spread of viral pathogens is through disinfection.
For years, many people believed that simply closing the toilet lid would solve the problem of germ spread. However, Gerba’s research has debunked this myth. He explains, “All that air when you flush goes somewhere, and it carries the viruses that are in the toilet bowl out of it.” The study found that microscopic viral particles spread to the floor and nearby restroom surfaces regardless of whether the lid was up or down.
Previous studies have shown that aerosolized plumes from toilet flushes can lead to norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, flights, and schools. In fact, Gerba recalls a cruise ship with a severe outbreak where half of the toilets were found to have norovirus particles. This highlights the importance of regularly cleaning toilet seats and other restroom areas to prevent the spread of germs.
To conduct their study, Gerba’s team analyzed toilets in both a public restroom and a residential home. They added viral particles to the toilets, flushed them, and measured contamination levels one minute later on the toilet and nearby surfaces. The study found no significant difference in overall viral contamination whether the residential toilet lid was open or closed before flushing. However, a closed lid did slightly alter the trajectory of the aerosol plume contamination.
The study also emphasized the importance of disinfection in reducing the spread of germs. Toilet bowls cleaned with a disinfectant had less contamination than those cleaned with just a brush. Furthermore, cleaning the bowl with a disinfectant also reduced contamination of nearby surfaces such as the restroom floor and the toilet brush caddy.
In conclusion, the study’s results demonstrate that closing the toilet lid prior to flushing does not mitigate the risk of contaminating bathroom surfaces. Disinfection of all restroom surfaces, including the toilet, toilet water, and nearby areas, is necessary to reduce the spread of germs. Therefore, it is crucial for homeowners to regularly sanitize their toilets and nearby surfaces. Keeping a disinfectant and disinfectant wipes near the toilet can help facilitate this process. Additionally, thorough handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer are essential practices, especially if someone in the household is infected with a virus.
While individuals have less control over the cleanliness of public restrooms, they can still protect themselves by practicing good hygiene habits such as handwashing and using hand sanitizer. It is also advisable to avoid handling phones or other personal items while using the restroom. By taking these precautions, individuals can minimize their risk of exposure to harmful germs and maintain a sanitary environment in their bathrooms.
