Toilet flushing can potentially spread bacteria via aerosol droplets

Press/Media: Press / Media

Description

According to a study revealed by Professor Alvin Lai Chi-keung, Associate Head of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and his research team, toilet users’ health can be affected by pathogens embedded in airborne aerosol droplets that may rise as high as one metre from the toilet seat during flushing and spread in the air. Toilets must be kept clean to prevent the transmission of bacteria and pathogens during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Professor Lai and Dr Iris Li Wai-sum, a member of the research team and a specialist in infectious disease, remind the public that covering the toilet lid before flushing cannot completely prevent pathogens from spreading. They suggested using 1 in 49 diluted household bleach to regularly clean the toilet bowl and 1 in 99 diluted household bleach to clean all areas of the washroom.

Dr Eric Lee Wai-ming, Associate Professor from CityU’s Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, provided supplementary information on the relationship between sewage systems and hygiene conditions in indoor habitats.

Period13 Feb 2020 → 17 Feb 2020

Media coverage

28

Media coverage

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • Title‘Pathogens linger in toilet for hours’
    Media name/outletInter News Cast US
    Media typeWeb
    PlaceHong Kong
    Date16/02/20
    DescriptionAlvin Lai Chi-keung, associate head of the department who led the year-long study, said while water droplets created in flushing might rise up to a metre if the toilet was not covered, international studies suggested polluted particles may still sneak through the gaps between the toilet and its lid, even if it was lowered before flushing. Eric Lee Wai-ming, an associate professor at the department, suggested applying a half flush if possible to reduce the amount of droplets produced in flushing.
    Producer/AuthorK.Y. Cheng
    PersonsChi Keung Alvin LAI, Wai Ming LEE