Aerosol generation in public restrooms

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Transmission

Background:

• Aerosolized droplets are a primary transmission route for infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
• While respiratory droplets are key, viable viruses in urine and stool suggest alternative transmission pathways.
• Public restrooms, with confined spaces and heavy traffic, may facilitate bioaerosol transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify droplet generation and aerosolization from flushing toilets and urinals.
• To assess the potential for bioaerosol transmission of pathogens in public restrooms.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of toilet covers in reducing aerosol levels.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of droplet size and number generated by flushing toilets and urinals.
• Assessment of droplet dispersal height.
• Comparison of aerosol levels with and without toilet covers.

Main Results:

• Flushing generated a significant number of droplets ($$ - $$) reaching heights of at least 1.52 m.
• Toilet covers reduced aerosol levels but did not fully contain droplets, which escaped through gaps.
• Accumulation of aerosols from multiple flushes increased ambient levels, indicating potential for airborne disease spread.

Conclusions:

• Public restroom flushing significantly contributes to aerosolization, posing a potential risk for disease transmission.
• Ventilation is crucial for mitigating aerosol accumulation in public spaces.
• Further research into restroom design and protocols is needed to minimize airborne pathogen spread.