Public washrooms are flush with germs, but effective handwashing, surface cleaning and maintenance are likely to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, including COVID-19, according to researchers.
of different studies from around the world, published in Science of the Total Environment, highlighted the dangers of open toilet lids, uncovered garbage bins and defective plumbing in spreading infections.
The study, which analyzed evidence from restaurants, workplaces, commercial environments, post-secondary institutions, health-care settings and laboratories, comes as some borders around the world have begun to re-open amid the pandemic, which could mean more international travel and increased use of public facilities.
Jet-air dryers were another concern, potentially spreading droplets as far away as three metres. Uncovered garbage bins placed underneath these types of dyers could further increase the spread of pathogens by blowing trash around and by increasing the amount of aerosols in the area. A wide range of bacteria and viruses were identified in public washrooms, according to the study, but certain measures taken by both the public and custodians can result in a low chance of transmission.
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