Study: “The potential spread of infection caused by aerosol contamination of surfaces after flushing a domestic toilet” (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16033465) – Barker J, Jones MV. Journal of Applied Microbiology (2005)

Our Summary: This study aimed to assess the potential spread of infection through aerosol contamination of surfaces after flushing a toilet contaminated with indicator organisms at levels simulating pathogen shedding during infectious diarrhea. They found that even after a single flush, there was a significant reduction in microorganisms in the toilet bowl water, but large numbers persisted on the bowl surface and in the water, which could be disseminated into the air by further flushes. The study highlights the risk of airborne dissemination of microbes during toilet flushing and the potential for infection spread within buildings through surface contact. It suggests that enteric viruses could persist in the air after flushing, leading to infection through inhalation and ingestion.