Flushing the toilet can release a ‘plume’ of breathable pathogens – and closing the lid won’t stop their escape
News Source
•Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:00:43 GMT
📰 What Happened
Flinders University researchers reviewed 22 studies on toilet flushing. They found flushing throws tiny particles into the air above the toilet. These particles can stay suspended for at least 20 seconds. Some reach the 'breathing zone' where people inhale them.
The particles can carry germs like legionella, influenza and norovirus. Louder, more turbulent flushes release more particles. Closing the lid helps a little, but it does not fully stop the plume from escaping.
🔍 The Backstory
Scientists have studied toilet 'plumes' for decades. Interest grew during the Covid pandemic, when people worried about germs in shared bathrooms. Earlier research already showed public toilets are full of microbes.
This review pulls the evidence together for the first time. The findings were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They show bathrooms need better design and cleaning, not just closed lids.
🎯 Why It Matters
Everyone uses public toilets. Knowing how germs spread can help you stay safer, like putting the lid down and leaving the cubicle quickly after flushing. Small habits may cut your chance of catching a bug.
Flinders University researchers reviewed 22 studies on toilet flushing. They found flushing throws tiny particles into the air above the toilet. These particles can stay suspended for at least 20 seconds. Some reach the 'breathing zone' where people inhale them.
The particles can carry germs like legionella, influenza and norovirus. Louder, more turbulent flushes release more particles. Closing the lid helps a little, but it does not fully stop the plume from escaping.
Scientists have studied toilet 'plumes' for decades. Interest grew during the Covid pandemic, when people worried about germs in shared bathrooms. Earlier research already showed public toilets are full of microbes.
This review pulls the evidence together for the first time. The findings were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They show bathrooms need better design and cleaning, not just closed lids.
Everyone uses public toilets. Knowing how germs spread can help you stay safer, like putting the lid down and leaving the cubicle quickly after flushing. Small habits may cut your chance of catching a bug.