Seriously gross 'toilet plume' reveals why you should never flush with the seat up
University of Colorado research alleges that waste particles are propelled as far as six feet when the toilet is flushed with the lid up
Rhianna Benson
Scientists have issued an urgent warning against flushing the toilet with the lid open, claiming it can release a potential dangerous 'toilet plume'.
So, first things first - what is a 'toilet plume?
According to Mechanical Engineering World, this eerie title is given to the tiny aerosolised particles that go flying around your bathroom once you've pulled the handle, which could be made up of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.
Laser-based research from a study carried out by the University of Colorado alleges that waste particles are propelled as far as six feet from the toilet bowl by the turbulent flow generated by a flush.
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Positioning a set of cameras in a dark room, droplets could be seen flying through the air in scenarios where the lid is not placed down, with lasers illuminating the extent of the spray.
Occupational and environmental health scientist Evan Floyd discussed these findings, telling press, as per Smithsonian Magazine: "Most people don’t realise there are fine particles everywhere.
"It’s nice to have the quick visualisation."
The investigation also claims that these particles can be suspended for as many as several minutes, giving them enough time to land on a horde of bathroom surfaces, including toothbrushes, towels and countertops.
These particles could contain dangerous pathogens, including the likes of E. coli and Norovirus, which serve as a severe risk to health.
A 2021 study in the Physics of Fluids insists, therefore, that closing the lid prior to flushing can reduce this dispersal by as much as half.
The team also recommended the toilet seat be washed before use, as well as the hands being washed carefully after flushing.
However, in a 2024 study, titled 'Impacts of lid closure during toilet flushing and of toilet bowl cleaning on viral contamination of surfaces in United States restrooms', scientists found that 'closing the toilet lid prior to flushing does not mitigate the risk of contaminating bathroom surfaces'.
Instead, the paper - published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) - recommends that you disinfect all bathroom surfaces (IE, toilet rim, floors) after flushing for the reduction of virus cross-contamination.
Having to wipe down every surface after you’ve used the toilet seems impossible, given that the average UK adult will use the toilet between four to ten times per day.
If you live with a partner, then that means you’d have to wipe down all surfaces between eight and 20 times per day if you wanted to reduce virus cross-contamination.
The study stated that just cleaning the toilet with disinfectant and a brush reduced viral contamination by more than 99.99 percent.
Moreover, scientists suggested that by closing the toilet lid, you can potentially alter the direction of the aerosol plume.
Time to dig out the disinfectant, friends!