Having ventilation fans in public bathrooms could stop people being exposed to as many bacteria particles generated from flushing the toilet, a new study has claimed.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are two bioaerosol concentrations of two bacteria that are commonly emitted from a toilet flush.
If these biological particles are inhaled, it can trigger the development of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, prior research has reported.
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During the study, the team of researchers measured the bacteria emissions in two public bathrooms located in the same office building in China, with one containing a squat toilet and the other a bidet toilet.
They found that the squat toilet produced up to 62% higher concentrations of S. aureus bioaerosols and up to 27% higher concentrations of E. coli bioaerosols compared to the bidet toilet.
More bioaerosol concentrations were generated after a second flush, especially when faeces were present, the study has reported.
According to the investigation, these bioaerosol concentrations were reduced by 10 times if active ventilation with an exhaust fan was present.
Senior author Wajid Ali said: “Our findings underscore the substantial health risks posed by bioaerosol exposure in public washrooms.
“Enhancing ventilation systems by optimising exhaust fan efficiency and air exchange rates can effectively reduce bioaerosol concentrations and exposure risks for the public.”
He added: “The findings for squat toilets apply to seated toilets as well. For public health policymakers, the results of the study provide evidence-based recommendations to define safe bioaerosol exposure limits and promote hygiene practices in public washrooms, ensuring healthier and safer indoor environments.”
