Toilet plumes emit aerosolized particles containing pathogenic bacteria and, according to recent studies, are responsible for the spread of contagious aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 particles to surfaces and occupants in public restrooms.
Toilet Plumes Transmit Aresoloized Pathogenic Bacteria and Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2
Restrooms have come under scrutiny for their role in widespread outbreaks of certain diseases.
A recent study conducted throughout several Nigerian facilities identified high rates of coliform bacteria contaminating multiple surfaces.
Most of the bacteria were identified as:
- E.coli.
- Staph, and;
- Klebsiella.
According to the authors of the study:
Door handles/knobs of public conveniences of selected public offices, motor parks, and markets in Abuja metropolis were investigated for bacteria contamination.
Out of the 180 swab samples cultured, 156 (86.7%) were positive.
They were more positive samples from female toilet handles/knobs (41.7%) and bathroom door handles/knobs (11.5%) than males.
The study also found that toilet door handles/knobs in markets, motor parks, and restaurants had a higher rate of contamination compared to Government offices, and banks.
Contamination was also higher in toilet door handles/knobs (87.2%) than in bathroom door handles/knobs (85%).
Most of the bacteria contaminants were Coliforms.
The isolated bacterial contaminants were Staphylococcus aureus (30.1%), Klebsiella Pneumoniae (25.7%), Escherichia coli (16%).
Coliform bacteria are found throughout nature, including:
- In the soil.
- On surface water.
- On your skin, and;
- In human and animal waste.
Given the type of coliform bacteria identified in the study, it is safe to say that the source of the issue is in the restroom.
However, improper hand hygiene cannot account for all of the contamination.
The likely culprit?
Toilet plumes are ejected from toilets and urinals in public restrooms, and the surfaces the aerosolized particles ejected from the plumes contaminate.
So, what does that have to do with the spread of SARS-CoV-2?
Can You Catch COVID-19 From a Public Toilet?
The predominant theory currently circulating is that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily spread through the air, but as droplets from a contaminated person in close quarters with others.
However, under specific circumstances--prolonged time spent in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, like a restroom--the documented spread of SARS-CoV-2 has occurred.
But, you might be saying, "SARS-CoV-2 is a pathogen, not a bacteria."
Correct.
According to researchers at MIT;
We’ve known for some time that viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 is found in feces. '
In fact, based on one estimate that a person infected with COVID-19 sheds between 56.6 million and 11.3 billion viral genomes per day, projects are now underway in Tempe, Arizona, and elsewhere to track the community spread of the virus through wastewater analysis.
But viral RNA is just a calling card of sorts. It indicates that the person who made the feces has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of infectious viral particles.
However, according to The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was isolated from the feces of a patient in China with coronavirus disease who died.
Confirmation of infectious virus in feces affirms the potential for fecal-oral or fecal–respiratory transmission and warrants further study.
Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Feces of Patient with Severe COVID-19
Further, according to the results of a study conducted by scientists from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science;
Public restrooms are especially cause for concern for transmitting COVID-19 because they are relatively confined, experience heavy foot traffic, and may not have adequate ventilation.
[...] public restrooms could serve as hotbeds for airborne disease transmission, especially if they do not have adequate ventilation or if toilets do not have a lid or cover.
Apart from the smallest aerosols, comparatively larger aerosols also pose a risk in poorly ventilated areas even though they experience stronger gravitational settling.
They often undergo rapid evaporation in the ambient environment and the resulting decreases in size and mass, or the eventual formation of droplet nuclei, can allow microbes to remain suspended for several hours.
Flushing a public toilet? Don't linger, because aerosolized droplets do
Addressing Aerosolized Pathogens and Pathogenic Bacteria in Restrooms
Addressing the spread of aerosolized germs and bacteria in restrooms requires a three-prong approach.
- Enhanced daily cleaning of the facility from top to bottom using EPA-registered commercial-grade detergents and microfiber equipment, combined with routine targeted disinfection of fomites.
- Increased airflow in the restroom combined with air filtration and commercial-grade cleaning systems, and;
- Fully stocked hand hygiene stations combined with high-impact handwashing practices by all facility occupants.
Cleaning and targeted disinfection will prevent dangerous germs and bacteria from building up and will simplify the process of routine deep disinfection services.
Increasing the airflow through MERV 13 rated (or above) filters combined with commercial-grade air cleaning systems will disperse the particles in the air and capture them before they can contaminate a surface or be inhaled by an occupant.
And, ensuring that all hand hygiene is fully stocked and that all occupants are actively engaged in proper handwashing after using the restroom will ensure germs and bacteria in the bathroom are transferred to other parts of the facility and spread to others.
References & Resources
- Study: How Toilet Flushing Could Spread COVID-19
- Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Airborne Transmission
- COVID-19 FAQ: AskCIDD
Takeaway
Proper restroom care can go a long way toward ensuring the health and safety of your facility's occupants from many highly contagious germs and bacteria.
Outsourcing to a service provider with a proven track record of success is a guaranteed method for rapidly onboarding these vital services without the issues and costs typically associated with managing a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
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