How many women tirelessly cover the toilet seat when using public toilets? I for one have been practising this ritual with surgical precision for years, meticulously laying each square on the rim to cover any germs from previous bums. But research shows that this thin barrier protection may in fact be a myth and actually increase our chances of picking up germs.
We’ve all been in situations when we need to use a public loo, be it at a concert, shopping centre or beach. Some facilities are better maintained than others, especially when there’s a charge to enter. And there’s often a huge sigh of relief at the sight of a clean loo.
But when women are faced with dirty toilets, what can we do? There is the squatting option but the fear of losing balance or making a bad story worse is never attractive. So a self-lined toilet seat should do the job? Health experts say that exposed toilet paper in public toilets is a breeding ground for germs. Apparently every time a toilet is flushed, germ water droplets spring into the air and attach themselves to the nearby hanging soft tissue. Now this isn’t good news when using the toilet paper for its intended purpose in the first place! Thankfully many public toilets have covered roll holders, once you can find that first square to pull.
Researchers also say that because toilet paper is porous, it gives no protection between you and the toilet seat, allowing bacteria and viruses to pass through. As the seat itself is hard material, it is less likely to cling on to germs for long and therefore, may be the safer & more hygienic option.
With this new found information, it appears that the only alternatives to feeling germ-free in a public loo are to sit & bear it, bring your own tissues/toilet paper, attempt the squat or just hold it!
Add comment
Comments