Going to the bathroom these days just isn't as easy as it used to be. Not only are there rules about the toilet seat being left up (or down), now there is a real danger of contracting a deadly disease by simply using the toilet.
ABC News reported the C. difficile bacteria were commonly spread in hospital bathrooms without toilet seat covers, but also is spread at home by those who practice improper flushing techniques. I didn't know there were proper flushing techniques, so it looks like public school isn't doing a good job of educating our kids about the hazards of going to the bathroom.
According to the report, the bacteria were detected in the bathroom air nearly 90 minutes after the toilet was flushed, and exacerbated in bathrooms where the toilet contained no lid. How many people actually remember to close the lid before they flush the toilet? The survey found considerable contamination in household bathrooms as well as public ones.
While the study focused on hospital bathrooms, flushing any toilet without closing the lid risks exposure to the bacteria and contamination of the entire bathroom, including personal hygiene items. Studies have shown that water can spray up to 10 feet across the room from a traditional flushing toilet. It frequently contaminates toothbrushes and surfaces with tiny fecal particles, which could include the C. difficle bacteria.
Experts said that exposure to the bacteria can lead to severe diarrhea and life-threatening inflammation of the colon. CBC reported that patients exposed to the bacteria spend an average of six additional days in the hospital. That's a pretty mean little bug there - all because improper toilet flushing is practiced.
So, what's the solution? Experts advise people to close the lid prior to flushing the toilet. Then, of course, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. But, that's probably not enough. Disinfectant cleaning of all bathroom surfaces and a healthy disinfectant aerosol spray to cleanse the air is helpful too. Before long, people will have to get into a decontamination suit just to use the potty. What is this world coming too?
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