Study Finds Closing Toilet Lid Does Not Reduce Virus Spread

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Study Finds Closing Toilet Lid Does Not Reduce Virus Spread

Study Finds Closing Toilet Lid Does Not Reduce Virus Spread, Contrary to Bacteria: University of Arizona Research

A research group including the University of Arizona in the United States announced that “the amount of virus particles dispersed by opening and closing the toilet lid did not change,” according to their research.

What is the research content announced by the University of Arizona?

The research was conducted by a research group including the University of Arizona in the United States, and the results have been published in the academic journal “American Journal of Infection Control.”

It has been known from previous studies that flushing the toilet creates aerosols that spread bacteria to various surfaces such as the floor and walls. And it is also known that closing the toilet lid before flushing can suppress the dispersion of bacteria in the toilet. While there have been studies on this, it had not been investigated whether the opening and closing of the toilet lid also affect viruses, which are much smaller than bacteria. Therefore, this study was conducted.

The research group sprinkled harmless bacteriophages in household and public toilet bowls and flushed the water with the lid closed and open. Samples were then taken from the water in the toilet bowl, the toilet seat, and the surfaces of the walls and floor. The results of the study revealed that in both household and public toilets, there was no difference in the amount of virus collected regardless of whether the lid was open or closed.

How is the research content perceived?

It has been said that closing the toilet lid before flushing can keep the mist generated when flushing the water inside the toilet, thus preventing the spread of bacteria. However, it had not been considered whether the same applies to viruses, which are much smaller particles than bacteria.

In the case of viruses, it was found in this study that whether the lid is open or closed when flushing, there is no difference in the amount of virus particles dispersed during flushing, which is a result that can be applied to real life. Furthermore, this study is considered to contribute to a clearer understanding of how pathogens spread and what measures should be taken to break the chain of infection.

Should the toilet lid be closed in real life?

A study by a research group including the University of Arizona in the United States showed that there is no change in the amount of virus dispersed by opening and closing the toilet lid. However, previous studies have shown that it can reduce the dispersion of bacteria. Considering this new insight, should the toilet lid still be closed?

Previous studies have shown that closing the toilet lid can reduce the dispersion of bacteria, but this study found that even if the toilet lid is closed before flushing, it does not have much effect on preventing the dispersion of virus particles. In applying this new insight to real life, it is not necessarily highly necessary to always close the toilet lid to prevent infectious diseases related to viruses.

Effective ways to reduce the risk of infection in the toilet include “putting disinfectant in the toilet bowl before flushing” and “putting disinfectant in the toilet tank in advance.” Additionally, regularly cleaning the toilet bowl with a brush and disinfecting the surfaces of items in the toilet or using disinfectants with sustained bactericidal effects may also have some effect.