{
  "id": 6288129,
  "title": "Flushing the toilet can release a ‘plume’ of breathable pathogens – and closing the lid won’t stop their escape",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/flushing-the-toilet-can-release-a-plume-of-breathable-pathogens-and",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-08T15:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Health",
    "slug": "guardian-health",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/09/flushing-the-toilet-releases-pathogens-inhaled"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study reveals that flushing toilets can emit particles into the \"breathing zone\" of humans, potentially carrying harmful pathogens such as legionella, influenza, and norovirus. The research, conducted by Flinders University, analyzed 22 studies on toilet-generated aerosols and found that more turbulent flushing results in a greater release of these airborne particles. While closing the toilet lid might not entirely prevent the escape of pathogens, researchers advise doing so as a precautionary measure.\n\nPrevious research has highlighted public toilets as a hub for microorganisms, with varying reports regarding the transmission of diseases like Covid-19 through toilet aerosols. The study's lead author, PhD student Lira Adiyani, suggests that higher water volumes and turbulence during flushing increase the number of particles suspended in the air, although the influence of bathroom ventilation and lid position remains uncertain.\n\nDr. Harriet Whiley, a professor of environmental health, emphasized that the effects of indoor aerosols have been \"understudied,\" despite the potential risks to human health. She acknowledged that the findings have important implications for risk assessment, building design, and infection control, particularly in light of water scarcity and emerging infectious diseases.\n\nEnvironmental health professor Dr. Lotti Tajouri, while not part of the research team, warned of the broader dangers present in public toilets. He recommended avoiding touching any surfaces in the bathroom and washing hands thoroughly afterward, as toilets can harbor various microorganisms, including those posing risks to immunocompromised individuals.",
  "summary": "New research shows turbulent flushes create toilet-generated aerosols that can transmit legionella, influenza and norovirus Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Flushing toilets release particles into the “breathing zone” of adults and can remain suspended in the air for at least 20 seconds, a new study has found. And closing the lid might not be enough to avoid a “plume”…",
  "key_points": [
    "Flushing toilets emit airborne particles with pathogens like legionella and influenza.",
    "Closing toilet lid may not prevent pathogen escape, but advised as precaution.",
    "Higher water volume and turbulence during flushing increase airborne particles."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "Flushing the toilet can release a ‘plume’ of breathable pathogens – and closing the lid won’t stop their escape",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/flushing-the-toilet-can-release-a-plume-of-breathable-pathogens-and-6290738",
        "published": "2026-09-08T15:00:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}