Lets take a moment to learn about the spread of bacteria in your home!
(This is why I cringe when I see face rags, towels, and tissues above the toilet! )
Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you flush your toilet? You may be surprised to learn that every time you flush, a “toilet plume” is released—a cloud of tiny particles containing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. While most of these particles quickly settle back into the toilet bowl, some remain suspended in the air long enough to be inhaled by unsuspecting family members. Scientists have done recent studies on how this can cause the spread of illnesses in the home. Let’s take a closer look at what we know about toilet plume and how it affects us.
When a toilet is flushed, a vortex is created which sends thousands of microscopic droplets containing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms into the air—the so-called “toilet plume”. These droplets can travel up to six feet away from the source before settling back down onto surfaces or being inhaled by people nearby. The health hazards posed by these particles vary depending on the type and amount present; however, scientists have found that they can contain E. coli, staphylococcus aureus, norovirus and even hepatitis A virus.
Recent studies have shown that toilets release more bacteria than any other water fixture in the home—up to 30 times more than kitchen faucets or bathroom sinks. This means that if you are not diligent about cleaning your bathroom regularly, your family could be exposed to harmful bacteria or viruses on an ongoing basis. In addition, if your bathroom is not well ventilated then these particles are more likely to linger in the air for longer periods of time and increase the risk for illness.
In order to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure to toilet plume bacteria and viruses, it’s important to practice good hygiene habits such as handwashing after using the restroom and keeping surfaces clean with disinfectants or cleaners specifically formulated for bathrooms. Also make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation so that any airborne particles will dissipate quickly instead of lingering in the air for extended periods of time.
The research surrounding toilet plume is still relatively new but it clearly demonstrates how important it is to practice good hygiene habits in order to stay healthy in our homes. By following simple steps such as washing hands after using the restroom, regularly cleaning surfaces with disinfectant products and ensuring adequate ventilation in bathrooms we can reduce our exposure to potentially harmful bacteria or viruses released during flushing activities. With just a few extra measures we can help keep our families safe from unwanted germs!
