That one public space where you shouldn’t be caught without your face mask

Face masks. Ugh. No one likes wearing them, and there are so many questions about how helpful they are at stopping the spread of COVID-19.

But often, staying healthy means doing things that aren’t always convenient or pleasant. And we’re getting a heavy dose of that lesson right now…

As the coronavirus pandemic slogs on, we’re learning more and more about the virus’s ability to not only spread from person to person but also from surfaces. And now, thanks to a new study, from droplet particles created when gases and liquids meet.

Yes, cringe-worthy news alert!

You could actually get COVID from using a public toilet or urinal — here’s why…

Toilet plumes with virus-laden aerosols

A group of researchers from Yangzhou University in China found that flushing public restroom toilets can release clouds of virus-laden aerosols for you to potentially inhale.

And after running additional computer simulations, the team also concluded that flushing a public urinal poses the same dangers (if not worse).

The scientists began their work based on previous research that demonstrated that both feces- and urine-based virus transmission is possible. They then moved forward using computational fluid dynamics to model the particle movement that occurs when you flush.

Basically, whether you’re flushing a urinal or a toilet, getting that waste down the drain involves an interaction between gas and liquid. The result is a large spread of aerosol particles that are released — which is what the researchers set out to simulate and track.

And here’s a little warning — the next part is where things get nasty.

The team found that when you flush a urinal, more than 57 percent of particles actually travel away from the urinal itself (or toward you) — particles that could be carrying coronavirus with them!

And that’s not all…

According to the researchers, when men use a urinal in a public restroom, these tiny particles can reach their thighs in just 5.5 seconds. Particles from flushing the toilet on the other hand clock in at 35 seconds.

The researchers say that particles from urinals also show a “more violent climbing tendency” with a faster speed than toilet flushing, which is why they hit you more quickly, since they’re traveling faster and farther.

Mask up!

Put simply, the researchers’ work clearly shows public restrooms can be dangerous places for potentially becoming infected from a virus, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their recommendation?

“Wearing a mask should be mandatory within public restrooms during the pandemic, and anti-diffusion improvements are urgently needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says researcher, Xiangdong Liu.

So, if you’re out and about and need to hit the public bathroom, make sure you mask up first, at least, if you’re not already wearing one!

And one more thing…

Just because you’re at home when you get the urge to go, doesn’t mean you’re protected from the virus’ spread since any toilet can harbor coronavirus particles if used by someone who is infected, even if they’re asymptomatic. However, you can avoid that viral-laden toilet plume simply by closing the lid before you flush — simple enough, right?

Sources:

Using a public restroom? Mask up! — EurekAlert!

Closing the lid before you flush may help lessen spreading of coronavirus. But if you forget, don’t panic. — ABC News