Shining a light on what comes up when you flush

New research shows the impact of flushing the toilet in a whole new light. Using bright green lasers and camera equipment, a team of CU Boulder engineers ran an experiment to reveal how tiny water droplets, invisible to the naked eye, are rapidly ejected into the air when a lid-less, public restroom toilet is flushed. These aerosolized particles are known to transport pathogens and could pose an exposure risk to public bathroom patrons. This visualization method, however, provides experts in plumbing and public health with a consistent way to test improved plumbing design and disinfection and ventilation strategies, in order to reduce exposure risk to pathogens in public restrooms.

[antdude]

That's why I always put the lid down before flushing.

[redplanet]

I’m speechless and now paranoid. But it’s better to know. Great research CU.

[PaceFineArts]

Myth Busters once did an episode on how many traces of e-coli they found on tooth brushes in the same room room with the toilet lid open and with the lid closed. That convince me 20 years ago. But this is a nice reminder... 😅

[Breal]

Guess that answers the ‘seat up or down’ debate - just close the toilet lid entirely

[CYTL]

Since aerosolized particles are very small, wondering if they still leak when flushing even with the toilet lid covered? Hope scientists could make some comparison tests.

[nateross]

I like how they show the toilet flush again and again throughout the vid just to reinforce the nastiness of it even though seeing it flush only once is enough for you to never want to go in a public Restroom again.

[OistheOne]

You could put a rotating prism where the laser "mouth" is to try and get a more 3D version of how the particles spread out (of course, narrow the field of vision to the toilet area). Just with that part we can see how much goes up and out, imagine how it would spread out!

[giin]

No surprise to us guys, we're used to seeing, feeling, smelling, and (if with an unfortunately timed yawn) tasting backspray when standing over the toilet in the morning. If you can smell it, it's scattered at least as high as your nose.

[molovesmusic]

this is why i HATE when someone doesn’t close my lid when using my bathroom. like???

[holyngrace]

WOW! Never realized the degree of spray. Lid down before flushing now and wiping seats before sitting!

[MegaTech]

Learned this from my parents years ago. We started to keeping a spray bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect the toilet after the flush process was finished. Killed the bacteria and also purified the air.

[claytonhorn]

Check out the Propelair toilet! The toilet flushes by closing the lid which has seals, a jet of air helps blow the aerosol affect into the drain. It also only uses 1.5 litres of water to flush!

[mattcero]

I'm glad he said "commercial" toilet. They are pressurized and not gravity fed like those found in people's homes. So this doesn't happen even close to the extent in home toilets.

[michael-qpxd]

How about a regular home toilet - not as much pressure - maybe much less spray. These guys should studied the home toilet.

[kapokimuramasa]

I think the amount of release will change depending on the design of the toilet bowl.

[fpalenciafp]

How much is reduced if you close the lid first

[realsong-fake]

One of those things you like to know and not at the same time.

[statsquo]

I've definitely felt that sanitation has hit an unfortunate lull in improvements. I feel like people would much rather have improved toilets than a fuckin smart fridge.

[jisulu]

Para que está la tapa, para bajar la antes de bajar el agua, así de evitar menos spray.

[siamahnafdhrubo]

if you close the lid then all the particles are stuck on your lid. so when you sit again if the lid touches your back then the dirty water is on your back now just use low commodes i guess and dont flush use a mug to water