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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
During flushing, the toilet sprays fine water droplets that may contain microorganisms and enter the air at a person’s breathing level. A closed lid does not completely stop these aerosols, but it can reduce the risk of inhaling them.
This is discussed in a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment.
During flushing, water moves at high speed and creates turbulence inside the bowl. As a result, small droplets are formed, some of which rise into the air as aerosol.
Such particles can contain microorganisms from the water or remnants of biological material. In previous studies, they were detected even at heights where people could inhale them.
To determine how much a toilet lid helps, the researchers analyzed results from 22 previously published works. They concluded that the lid position has a greater effect on the direction of aerosol spread than on the total amount of aerosols.
If the lid is open, small droplets spread more widely around the room. If it is closed, some aerosols still escape through gaps between the lid, seat, and bowl, but the trajectory of their movement changes.
That is why closing the lid cannot be considered full protection against microbes. At the same time, it can reduce the likelihood that a person will inhale particles immediately after flushing.
The result is also influenced by the design of the toilet itself. The smaller the gaps between the lid, seat, and bowl, the fewer paths there are for aerosols to exit outward.
The researchers also noted ventilation in the bathroom. Theoretically, it may remove particles from the air more quickly, although the available results do not yet allow for a strong and unambiguous effect to be claimed.
For dual-flush toilets, the volume of water may also matter. A smaller flush creates a weaker flow and potentially reduces aerosol formation.
However, the most important remains regular cleaning and surface disinfection. The lid only changes the distribution of particles but does not replace proper hygiene in the bathroom.
The study authors recommend closing the lid before flushing, if one exists. It is a simple precaution that may lower the potential risk of inhaling aerosols, though it does not stop them completely.
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