Posted on 01/11/2012 12:04:59 AM PST by Pining_4_TX
Put a lid on it. That is the conclusion of research examining the amount of Clostridium difficile that flies into the air and contaminates surrounding surfaces with the flush of a lidless toilet.
The investigation, published online December 2 in the International Journal of Hospital Infection, is the work of E. L. Best from the Microbiology Department, Old Medical School, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospital National Health Service Trust, United Kingdom, and colleagues. Using fecal suspensions of C difficile, the researchers measured airborne suspension of the bacteria in addition to surface contamination by the bacteria after flushing of both lidless and lidded toilets.
Air samples 25 cm above the commode, which is about the height of the handle, contained C difficile, with the highest numbers coming from samples taken immediately after flushing. The number of viable bacteria declined 8-fold within an hour, from 36 colony-forming units (cfu) collected at seat height to 8 cfu, and by 90 minutes, the number fell to 3 cfu. Surrounding surfaces were contaminated within 90 minutes of flushing, with relatively large droplets released in the immediate environment. The mean number of droplets was between 15 and 47, depending on toilet design, the report states.
Researchers also found the number of viable bacteria to be 12-fold higher from open toilets compared with the same toilet when the lid was closed. They collected 35 cfu at seat height within 30 minutes of flushing an open toilet, but only 3 cfu at seat height within 30 minutes of flushing a lidded commode.
(Excerpt) Read more at medscape.com ...
This whole article is BS. Just another attempt by women to get we men to put the seat down.
With a sign over it, A good flush or die!
mark
They should design hospital toilets so they can’t be flushed without the lid being closed or someone still sitting on the toilet?
Aha! A toilet expert. Very interesting information in your comment. Are you a plumber, engineer, or just a smart guy?
I don’t think this is news — powers that be (and various TV doctors and such, as well as every nurse I’ve had occasion to ask) have said, put the lid down before flushing, to prevent pumping contagions into the air via water vapor. Thanks Pining_4_TX.
Si difficile, then try harder.
actually, there is a workable, patented, odorless toilet that was on bob vilas show. it has exhaust intake coming through the vent holes under ‘the user’ and routed directly into the sewer. no special construction required. just install it lime normal.
1.6 gal flush as well I understand
The VIP
http://odorless toilets.com
I stick with my Ferguson, the Stradivarius of toilets.
Any one with the money should step up to this technology.
Just was reminded on another forum (USENET, alt.callahans)
that lower temperatures for hot water heaters may
facilitate bacterial, etc. growth. Add that to the list.
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