In today’s world everyone has been made more aware of health risks through a variety of medical information; which includes the news media, talk shows and a conglomerate of medical information on the internet. Even though we have gained all this new found knowledge one of the subjects which still makes most people uncomfortable is the topic of “going to the bathroom”.
When it is introduced on talk shows or is touched on in some of the new Doctor shows it is met with nervous laughter, and is often treated as though it really pertains only to other people. The fact of the matter is that “going to the bathroom” particularly passing fecal matter is one of the human functions that we all do. It is also one of the most common ways that harmful bacteria is passed from the body and is then circulated into the air, and stays on everything near and around the source. Everyone complains about odor which is very unpleasant, but the real perpetrator in this whole operation is actually the bacteria that escape.
Hand washing is extremely important, but it still does not take care of bacteria that lands on everything in the bathrooms (private or public) which includes towels, all surfaces and toothbrushes, etc. and also stays on our clothes. Ceiling fans which of course are very important to control the moisture are not our best friends when turned on to reduce the odor. Their function at that point would be to help pull the bacteria even further out of the toilet bowl and circulate it throughout the room. Bacteria will also escape through the door when opened and travel throughout the home, offices, restaurants, etc. via air returns.
Every time the toilet is flushed, bacteria that are under the rim will come alive again through the moisture and join the new bacteria and escape into the air. It will stay on the closest proximity’s which are the toilet seat, the toilet handle, the toilet paper, and just keep on moving and stay wherever it lands. This brings us to the subject of padded toilet seats and heated toilet seats, another wonderful breeding ground for bacteria. Even though padded toilet seats are very comfortable, no matter how smooth the material is they are porous and give the bacteria a great place to hang out and multiply. The same goes for any toilet seats that are heated. Yes they are cozy-comfy and nice and warm, but I think we’ve all learned enough to know that bacteria would love that, and therefore not good for our health and well-being.
The key to this problem is to contain as much of the bacteria that stems from that particular source as much as possible. When that is accomplished we can all maintain a healthier lifestyle.
This article is written for the JON-E-VAC® Corporation. They specialize in ventilated toilet seats and creating a more sanitized bathroom for a healthier lifestyle.