In our household, there’s a strict rule: always lower the toilet seat after use. This practice not only enhances hygiene but also fosters a sense of courtesy among family members. As a woman sharing space with three males, I’ve learned the hard way that leaving the lid open can lead to unfortunate nighttime mishaps—like nearly falling into the toilet bowl because both the seat and lid were ajar.
While enforcing this rule has been a challenge, I’m convinced it’s worth it. However, I recently discovered that we should take this toilet etiquette a step further: we need to close the lid before flushing. The reason? Toilet plume.
Yes, you read that right. Toilet plume is a phenomenon that’s as gross as it sounds. Every time you flush, the force of the water sends tiny particles of toilet water—containing trace amounts of waste—into the air. This means that with every flush, your bathroom becomes a mini aerosolized petri dish.
According to Dr. Lisa Marshall, an environmental health expert, toilet plume can disperse up to 15 feet away from the toilet. That’s nearly the entire span of my bathroom! And it doesn’t just vanish into thin air; it settles on various surfaces, including your sink, mirror, and even your toothbrushes. Gross, right?
Now, you might wonder, how harmful is this toilet plume? While it contains bacteria and viruses—including nasty ones like E. coli and salmonella—experts suggest that the risk of getting sick from it is relatively low. Dr. Thomas Lee points out that while not all germs are harmful, it’s still wiser to err on the side of caution. The likelihood of illness increases when there’s direct contact with contaminated surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas like hospitals.
So, what’s the takeaway? While toilet plume may not guarantee illness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Experts recommend that you close the lid when you flush, especially in shared bathrooms. And don’t forget to store your toothbrushes and other personal items away from the toilet area—because who wants to deal with that?
In summary, adopting the “close the lid when you flush” rule might meet some initial resistance, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. After all, it’s reassuring to know that your treasures remain where they belong—in the toilet.
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