Every time you flush a toilet, you release millions of bacteria into the air: scientists have created a spectacular video showing this

A stunning new video of bright green 'toilet plume' particles highlights an invisible phenomenon that is easy to ignore. But it deserves attention USA Today.

University of Colorado Boulder engineers studying the spread of fecal pathogens and the health hazards associated with flushing fired laser beams at a toilet without a lid. Absolutely the same as in the public toilets of North America, and lit up the rapidly spreading tiny drops of water.

“We expected these aerosol particles to simply float. But they shot ahead like a rocket,” said Professor John Crimaldi. The study's lead author and head of the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at CU Boulder believes the video will change your life: "When you see this footage, you'll never think about flushing the toilet the same way again."

Until now, no one understood what particles in the air above flush toilets looked like. And how they land on surrounding surfaces.

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During the experiment, which was published in the journal Scientific Reports On December 8, the study "made a big splash" providing the first visualization of the plume.

The scientists hope the study will lead to improved disinfection and ventilation strategies, as well as the design of toilets and flushes.

What's in the air when you wash away the water

Research published in 2013 showed that faeces, as well as various pathogens, can spread through the air and on surfaces after flushing in an unlidded toilet. Understanding how these particles move is important to reduce the risk of infection. For example, pathogens such as E. coli, C. difficile, noroviruses and adenoviruses.

The purpose of the study, Crimaldi said, was to image these small particles. They hover in the air, easily elude nasal hairs and penetrate deep into the lungs.

Where do the particles in the toilet go after flushing?

Energetic air particles from the plume made unpredictable movements. But mostly they moved up rising to the ceiling of the laboratory. Then back to the back wall and outward spreading forward from the ceiling and into the room.

“We show that this is a more energetic and rapidly spreading plume than previously thought,” said Crimaldi. – The purpose of a toilet is to efficiently remove waste from the toilet bowl. But it also does the opposite - it sprays a large amount of content upwards.

Should you close the toilet lid when you flush?

A review of aerosol formations in public restrooms published in 2021 found that closing the lid led to a reduction in bacteria. But it did not completely eliminate them from air samples. This suggests that drops still penetrate between the toilet lid and the seat.

“This highlights the need to include adequate ventilation in the design and operation of public spaces,” the article says.

Crimaldi explained: “The study provides plumbing and public health experts with a consistent way to test improved plumbing design, disinfection and ventilation strategies. It is designed to help reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens in public restrooms.”