A disease that spreads via the air we breathe, almost undetectable: it galvanised all of us during the coronavirus pandemic. But even after the pandemic, the risks posed by aerosols still loom.
The WC cubicle as a hot spot
A short but sensational video now demonstrates the scope of the aerosols produced by toilets when they are flushed with the lid open. Microscopic particles or larger droplets find their way into the surrounding air and can be inhaled or adhere to surfaces – and at worst, they can transmit disease in both cases. Simply closing the lid of the toilet when you flush can help, but in many public toilets, the lids have been removed – and then, the germs land on the toilet seat. A toilet seat cleaner in the cubicle can improve safety and personal hygiene – and good ventilation is a must, in any case.
Electric hand dryers – another risk
Electric hand dryers can also be responsible for increased germ levels in washrooms. These hand dryers have been proven to swirl around the germs that are still on our hands after washing, blasting them into the air and onto surfaces – and posing a risk to people in the one room where good hygiene is supposed to be paramount. That’s why in many sectors, such as healthcare, these hand dryers are not in use. Paper towels are certainly a safer and more hygienic alternative.
It doesn’t take much to prevent washrooms and WC cubicles from becoming hot spots for infectious disease. We would be happy to advise you on how you can deliver optimum health and hygiene.
