We have recently learned how dangerous it can be when an infected person coughs or sneezes in our vicinity and how these minuscule droplets can travel several feet and infect those within that distance. It is now time to rethink about another area that fills the air with tens of times more minuscule droplets than a sneeze.
That area being restrooms that bombard the air with minuscule droplets each time the toilet is flushed. This phenomenon is known as aerosolization and can spread up to 15 feet after a flush and the particles can stay in the air for hours.
This hazardous condition is one of the easiest to correct and one that should implemented in all buildings and public use restrooms. All that need be done is to put a lid on it. Put the lids on toilets so they can be lowered before flushing. The aerosolization affects the person flushing the toilet as well as those who use it next or enter the restroom. And this material can remain in the restroom for long periods of time as well move to surrounding areas each time the door is opened.
Some recent research on this subject from the New York Post:
