A new study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment analyzed 22 previous studies and discovered that flushing the toilet can release an inhalable cloud of viruses and bacteria, even with the lid closed. The particles containing germs can remain suspended in the air for approximately 20 seconds after flushing.
Researchers found evidence that the more intense the flush, the greater the release of these dangerous particles. Among the identified pathogens are legionella bacteria, influenza virus, and norovirus. The combination of higher pathogen levels in the toilet water with different flush intensities was directly associated with the amount of inhalable viruses and bacteria.
The lead author of the study is Lira Adiyani, a doctoral student at Flinders University in Australia. She emphasizes the importance of initiating greater awareness about inhaled air in bathrooms, especially in public and shared buildings, where multiple people use the facilities.
