Toilet Flushes Could Release Airborne Germs, Study Warns

A Flinders University review of 22 studies finds that flushing a toilet can eject aerosols containing microbes into the surrounding air, sometimes reaching breathing height. Risk varies with toilet type, conditions, microbial load, and flush volume; some mitigations include closing the lid when possible, improved ventilation, and design changes to reduce aerosol generation—especially in high-risk settings like hospitals.