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Toilet pellets may help us flush less and save water
Confirmed
In Short: Aerosol levels from toilet flushes vary widely depending on experimental conditions and toilet properties, according to a recent review by researchers from Flinders University.
Aerosol levels from toilet flushes vary widely depending on experimental conditions and toilet properties, according to a recent review by researchers from Flinders University. Higher bioaerosol levels are often found closer to the toilet seat, suggesting that choosing toilets with lower flush volumes or options could help limit these emissions.
To minimize exposure to potentially dangerous bacteria and viruses, experts advise washing hands after using the toilet, even if it appears clean. This is because daily use of toilets leaves them teeming with microbes.
Previous studies on toilet-generated aerosols have varied significantly in their experimental designs and measurement methods, making it challenging to draw consistent conclusions. However, the review highlights the need for more standardized research to better understand the risks associated with toilet flush plumes.
Water leak detectors, which alert homeowners to potential issues, can help mitigate the risk of water damage. These devices can send push notifications, emails, and text messages, and even sound loud alarms to alert users quickly, potentially preventing severe damage from burst pipes, leaky toilets, and misbehaving appliances.
What's confirmed
- Aerosol levels from toilet flushes vary widely depending on experimental conditions and toilet properties, according to a recent review by researchers from Flinders University. Higher bioaerosol levels are often found closer to the toilet seat, suggesting that choosing toilets with lower flush volumes or options could help limit these emissions.
- To minimize exposure to potentially dangerous bacteria and viruses, experts advise washing hands after using the toilet, even if it appears clean. This is because daily use of toilets leaves them teeming with microbes.
- Previous studies on toilet-generated aerosols have varied significantly in their experimental designs and measurement methods, making it challenging to draw consistent conclusions. However, the review highlights the need for more standardized research to better understand the risks associated with toilet flush plumes.
- Water leak detectors, which alert homeowners to potential issues, can help mitigate the risk of water damage. These devices can send push notifications, emails, and text messages, and even sound loud alarms to alert users quickly, potentially preventing severe damage from burst pipes, leaky toilets, and misbehaving appliances.
What's still developing
- When we inevitably must, it's advisable to always wash your hands afterward, even if the toilet looks clean.
- Flushing a toilet produces an upward plume of unsavory aerosols, which can rise into the breathing zone of adults and persist there for 20 seconds.
- Previous studies vary in experiment design, measurement methods, target microbes, and reporting, the researchers note, and have not consistently accounted for plume-influencing factors like bathroom ventilation or the physical and hydraulic characteristics of toilets.
- Given what we do know about toilet germs and flush plumes, this phenomenon seems worth learning more about.
- "Toilet flushing creates turbulence that can release aerosols into the surrounding air," says lead author Lira Adiyani from Flinders University.
- Around one in 60 insured homeowners file a claim related to water damage or freezing every year, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and the average cost of the property damage is about $15,000.
- It's a breeze to set up via the app ( Android, iOS ) and was swift and consistent in my testing, firing off a push notification, email, and text message every time it detected water. (These can be configured to your preferences.) It also sounds a loud alarm and flashes a red LED.
- Water plays an essential role in our homes, but it can also wreak havoc.