Horrifying reason you should always put the extractor fan on when going to the toilet
Anyone heading to the toilet has been warned to turn an extractor fan on or at the very least, open a window, due to hidden dangers to your health.
The new alert has been issued by researchers studying the health worries that you need to be aware of when it comes to having a number one or number two.
And as private as a moment that is for all of us, it is one that you should take notes on if you want to avoid a nasty bug or infection - something that is very much on the cards according to this research.
The study has been published in the Risk Analysis journal following an experiment that took place in an office block in China.
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Focusing on two public bathrooms in the workplace, scientists looked at the hidden dangers that might exist in the 'bioaerosol emissions', which is scientific speak for airborne particles and viruses that might harm you if ingested.
Worrying, the study found that the presence of two harmful bacteria - E. coli and staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) - were above acceptable levels established by the USA's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) after individuals flushed the toilet.
Inhaling these particles can see you experience abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. All of which no one wants to experience.
Scientists measured the emissions of containing S. aureus and E. coli under various flushing conditions, and ventilation scenarios, in both restrooms.
And analysis of the results showed that, there was higher concentration of both bacteria in both squat toilets - common in Asian countries - and a traditional, Western toilet with a basin.
But critically, the research concluded that those making sure there is active ventilation in the bathroom - whether that be an open window or an extractor fan - will have their risk reduced ten-fold.
"Our findings underscore the substantial health risks posed by bioaerosol exposure in public washrooms," said lead author Wajid Ali, a PhD student in environmental studies at China University of Geosciences. "Enhancing ventilation systems by optimising exhaust fan efficiency and air exchange rates can effectively reduce bioaerosol concentrations and exposure risks for the public."
And for those who are skeptical, time to take a look at an experiment which visualises those micro-particles as they float through the air after a flush has happened.
One such study was conducted by University of Colorado Boulder scientists and broadcast on Fox, which can be seen below:
Using a green light laser to show what came out of the toilet bowl on a flush, one scientist said people were left 'disgusted' by what they saw.
"We've learnt so much by being able to visualise this," Professor John Crimaldi, a expert in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said.
"Those droplets can be disease vectors; they can transport pathogens."
Shooting at a speed of 6.6 feet per second, the plume of potential dirty bits reaches five foot fall within eight seconds.
"I don't think any of us had any idea," Professor Crimaldi said.
Maybe shut the lid and turn on the fan next time, and every time after that.
Tom Earnshaw