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Chances are youve heard about the infamoustoilet plume.
Paolo Cordoni / EyeEm / Getty Images
But does it really make a difference?
And what else should we be doing to have some peace of mind germ-wise when we use the bathroom?
We talked to a couple of microbiology experts to get the (kind of gross, tbh) truth.
Flushing the toilet does, in fact, spray poop particles into the air.
Aerosols can disperse anywhere from one to six feet; three feet is the average, she tells SELF.
The world is covered in stool, the only question is how [much], Dr. Pottinger says.
Sounds gross, but the truth is we are all covered in germs.
They are usually quite harmless and often beneficial.
Toilet plume usually isnt a big dealunless someone using the toilet is sick.
Experts say it really depends on a few different specifics.
We all have different susceptibilities to getting an infection when exposed to microbes, Dr. Reynolds says.
(Thats a story for another day.)
The biggest toilet plume risk happens when someone using the toilet is actually ill with acontagious illness.
Diarrhea is usually triggered by a bacteria or virus that infects the digestive system.
Its the illness-causing bugs that are more concerning.
(Yes, possibly including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.)
Closing the lid when you flush is a good habit to get into.
Using a lid certainly makes a difference.
It keeps everything much better contained, Dr. Roberts says.
Its not perfect, but it certainly is better.
Of course, the toilet lid isnt airtight, Dr. Reynolds notes.
But it will significantly reduce the spread of pathogens since it will keep many larger particles contained.
Dr. Reynolds suggests cleaning the entire bathroom weekly with a product that says disinfectant on the label.
One example is this Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter and Disinfectant Spray ($17,Amazon).
If you know someone in the household is sick, its time to up the ante.
(Just confirm it’s able to dry out between uses.)
Studies show toothbrushes are readily impacted by fecal particles, she says.
So, whatever decision you make is most likely going to be fine.
As they say, whatever helps you sleep at night.
