Dr. Philip Ternow of New York University points out: When flushing with the toilet lid open, the instantaneous vortex inside the toilet can propel bacteria or microorganisms up to 6 meters into the air. These particles can remain suspended for hours before settling on walls, toothbrushes, mouthwash cups, and towels.In most modern households, toilet use, washing, and showering all occur within the bathroom. Items like toothbrushes, mouthwash cups, and towels share the same space as the toilet, making them highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore: Always close the toilet lid before flushing.
Not all microorganisms can soar to such heights
Different microorganisms have varying ranges of transmission.Using a "siphon-type" toilet as the experimental model, research found: E. coli concentrates within a 1-meter radius centered on the toilet within 2 hours after flushing; Salmonella spreads to the same range within 30 minutes; while Clostridium difficile primarily gathers within 60 minutes in the area from the toilet seat to 25 centimeters above the bowl.
Be Vigilant, But Don't Panic
In extreme cases, microorganisms transmitted via toilet vortexes may impact human health. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rich in lipids, readily accumulates on the surface layer of residual toilet water. When humans ingest it, it can cause gastrointestinal infections leading to diarrhea and further transmission. However, estimates suggest this accounts for less than 5% of all infection cases.The potential risks from toilet vortexes in daily life may be less significant. Any microorganism requires a certain "infectious dose" to cause disease. Under normal circumstances, urination and defecation further limit microbial transmission, resulting in lower airborne concentrations. However, the concentration of airborne microorganisms suspended by vortexes can vary by a factor of hundreds depending on the species. Therefore, whether specific microorganisms carried by toilet vortexes can cause disease remains to be determined by future research.
Measures to Reduce Microbial Transmission via Vortex
Close the toilet lid during flushing. This simple step reduces microbial splatter to one-twelfth of levels observed with the lid open. Additionally, regularly cleaning the toilet bowl and tank with disinfectant helps limit microbial residue inside the toilet.
Certain microorganisms tend to accumulate around the toilet bowl. The vortex created during flushing does indeed cause microbial dispersion. While the extent and duration of this dispersion remain unknown, flushing with the lid closed and regularly disinfecting the toilet bowl and tank can help mitigate potential health risks.