Corona Daily 408: Before You Flush the Next Time

The lockdown has made scientists super active. On 16 June, a group of Chinese scientists, PhDs in physics, published a paper that links toilet flushing with coronavirus transmission. They found that flushing a toilet can generate a cloud of aerosol droplets (called Toilet Plume) that rises up to three feet (106.5 cm to be precise).

At the beginning of the pandemic, as even McDonalds and Starbucks started to close, public bathrooms became a deficit. Those planning long road trips had to cancel the plans or be creative. Now that the lockdown is easing in many places, people are venturing out to beaches, cinemas, morning runs, and long drives. Is it safe to use public washrooms? Dr Jen Gunter, a Californian gynecologist offers a series of suggestions.  

Consider large bathrooms with multiple stalls for better air circulation. Better if the exhaust is working. If someone exits a bathroom cabin before you, wait for a minute before entering. Wait longer if you see the toilet seat lid is up. Don’t touch anything with bare hands. Use toilet paper, but wash hands immediately. If the flush is automated, step back to avoid the spray. Wear masks in public washrooms. Avoid reusable hand towels. Get out quickly, don’t answer phones, don’t check messages, just get out.

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Most important, close the lid before flushing. Dr Gunter compares a closed lid to face masks. Professor Charles Gerba, an authority, has researched this subject for fifty years. He took close-ups of the ejecting germs from the toilet and described the photos as “Baghdad at night during a US air attack”.

In little droplets of water, whatever is in the toilet can spray on nearby clothes, cosmetics, soap, shampoo, hair dryer and…. Toothbrushes. Dr Gerba closes the lid before flushing for decades, even at home.

If a public toilet is without a lid, he advices the users to flush and run away.

In one experiment, Dr Gerba placed six cages with mice at different heights in a small bathroom. Then he flushed a mouse pneumonia virus transmitted by inhalation. Those mice placed higher than three feet escaped infection, others got infected.

The Chinese scientists have recommended the manufacturers should redesign toilets so that the flush doesn’t work unless the toilet lid is down.

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In countries like India, with five star hotels shut, clean public bathrooms are impossible to find. It is recommended you drink less before stepping out. Dehydration may be better than covid-19. Dr Gunter says women can squeeze and relax pelvic floor muscles in quick succession five times. Quick flicks relax the bladder, postponing the urge. (Sorry no suggestions for men).

A UK study found that 85% of British women crouched or uncomfortably hovered over the toilet. 12% applied seat covers (rarely available), and 2% sat directly on public toilet seats. Dr Gunter advices women to sit on toilet seats without fear. That makes it safer for those who follow. Men must raise the seat, which is something most husbands have heard from their wives.

Now, following the latest advice, men must continue to raise the seat, but close the lid before flushing.

Ravi