Research found that flushing the toilet can make the virus splash a metre high

Reporter : Li Wenhan

Editor : Li Zhi

Publisher : Sound Of Hope

Ref : https://www.soundofhope.org/post/392452

Extract translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan

                                            / KUCINTA SETIA

During the pandemic, you must pay attention to all aspects of your life-even the rules of the bathroom should not be taken lightly. A new study published on Tuesday found that simple toilet flushing can cause viruses in feces to splash 3 feet high. So, remember to close the toilet lid before flushing.

Scientists have long been concerned that SARS-CoV-2 may spread through feces. In fact, infectious viruses are often found in the stools of patients, and their concentrations are even higher than in their droplets. The study also found that one of the common symptoms of CV virus infection is diarrhea. Therefore, the probability of covi transmission in the family is very high. When the SARS virus broke out in the past, there was evidence that bathroom water pipes may form a large chain of virus transmission in public spaces.

Although the discovery of fecal virus transmission is not new, but since the epidemic spread early this year, there has been no paper on the role of toilets in virus transmission, so this paper is the first such study. The researchers built a model that simulates how toilet flushing affects the flow of water, and attempts to determine the probability that infectious virus particles will remain in the toilet after flushing. They tested two types of flush toilets: one is a single-inlet toilet that replenishes water from only one tank, and the other is a ring flush toilet, which is now more common.

Automatically put down the toilet lid before flushing, and automatically clean the toilet before and after flushing (Photo: PhotoAC)

After the experiment, the researchers found that both types of toilets generate plumes of aerosol particles when flushing-and that the ring-shaped flush toilets are more likely to generate plumes. As a result, infectious virus particles escape from the toilet and splash into the air. The simulation model shows that about 40% to 60% of the particles can fly over the edge of the toilet and reach a place 3 feet above the ground, thereby "causing a large area of ​​diffusion." And even after a minute of flushing, these particles can continue to move upward in the air.

Going to the toilet is a daily necessity for people, but improper use can also put people in danger, especially in the current global empathy situation.

In the paper, the researchers also provided three suggestions for people using public toilets. The most effective method is to cover the toilet cover before flushing, because this can basically prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, people should regularly clean and disinfect the toilet because the virus particles in the feces may survive on the surface of the toilet for a period of time. Of course, everyone should wash their hands carefully after using the toilet.

They also added in the study that this research may have "inspired the toilet manufacturer", prompting manufacturers to design better toilets, which can automatically put down the toilet lid before flushing, and automatically conduct toilets before and after flushing clean.