A toilet plume is a phenomenon occurring during flushing, where microscopic aerosolized droplets are ejected into the air from the toilet bowl. This invisible cloud can travel several feet from the toilet. The plume is a widespread occurrence in both residential and public restrooms.
The Science of the Flush
When a toilet is flushed, the forceful rush of water creates turbulence within the bowl. This generates a fine mist of water droplets, launching them into the surrounding air. These airborne particles can ascend from the toilet bowl and remain suspended in the air for several minutes before settling on nearby surfaces.
These aerosolized droplets can contain various microorganisms originating from human waste. Common examples include bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), as well as viruses like norovirus. These pathogens can persist on surfaces for hours, days, or even weeks after being dispersed by a flush. Different toilet designs and flush energies can influence the amount of bioaerosol produced.
Potential Health Implications
While toilet plumes contain pathogens, the direct risk of airborne infection from a toilet flush in a typical home setting is low for healthy individuals. Most infections are more commonly spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face or mouth. The presence of these aerosolized microbes does pose a potential for cross-contamination of bathroom surfaces.
The risk profile changes in environments where sick individuals are shedding large quantities of pathogens, such as in healthcare facilities or during outbreaks. In such situations, the aerosolization of toilet bowl contents allows these particles to float freely, potentially leading to inhalation or widespread surface contamination. Epidemiological studies have linked toilet aerosols to the transmission of diseases like norovirus and SARS coronavirus in confined settings such as airplanes, ships, or specific building outbreaks.
Reducing Your Exposure
One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to toilet plumes is to close the toilet lid before flushing. This simple action helps to contain a significant portion of the aerosolized droplets within the bowl, limiting their dispersal into the bathroom air and onto surfaces. While some viral particles might still escape through lid gaps, closing the lid remains a recommended practice.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of the toilet bowl and surrounding surfaces also help mitigate exposure. Cleaning with a brush and disinfectant can significantly reduce the amount of virus and bacteria present in the toilet bowl and on surfaces. Ensuring proper bathroom ventilation by using an exhaust fan or opening a window can help clear airborne particles more quickly, especially if the fan is run for 15-20 minutes after flushing.
Storing personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, inside a medicine cabinet or at a distance from the toilet can prevent them from becoming contaminated by settling droplets. Changing hand towels frequently also contributes to reducing the spread of germs. These straightforward measures collectively contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic bathroom environment.