Redesigning Public Toilets to Protect Public Health: New Research Insights

Loughborough University’s study has found that public toilet design needs improvement to help protect public health. The study reveals that “toilet plume” – tiny particles released into the air when a toilet is flushed – can spread bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms into the air and onto surfaces, potentially causing disease. Elizabeth Paddy, a Doctoral Researcher, describes this phenomenon, saying, “When a toilet is used and flushed, the turbulence caused by the mixture of water and waste… creates a plume… similar to what happens when you spray an aerosol can.”

To address these risks, the study recommends that public toilets be designed with antimicrobial surfaces, effective ventilation, and frequent cleaning. As Paddy explains, “We must consider a holistic approach when it comes to limiting the spread of infectious diseases – not just a single intervention.” This approach includes elements such as air purifiers to remove airborne germs, rather than relying on windows that may not ventilate effectively, and paper towels instead of jet air dryers, which can spread germs further.

The study's unique approach was supervised by Dr Oluwasola Afolabi and Professor M. Sohail, both experts in environmental and sustainable infrastructure. Dr Afolabi notes the findings are groundbreaking because they help us better understand how bioaerosols are spread in public spaces. He says, “This research offers a blueprint for safer public toilet designs,” which could reduce the spread of diseases like Norovirus and influenza and help protect public health globally.