Toilet flushing can send a suspended plume of pathogens into the air, study finds
Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
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- A new study found that flushing toilets can release particles into adults’ breathing zones.
- The particles can remain suspended for at least 20 seconds, and closing the lid may not stop the aerosol plume from escaping.
- The research identified potential transmission of pathogens including legionella, influenza and norovirus.
A turbulent toilet flush can send a cloud of tiny particles into the air around adults, where the particles may remain suspended for at least 20 seconds, new research has found.
The study examined toilet-generated aerosols and found that they can enter the breathing zone. The plume may carry potential pathogens, including legionella, influenza and norovirus.
Closing the toilet lid might not be enough to prevent the particles from escaping, the research found.
About this summary
Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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