Is it time to redesign the toilet?

As investigations into the ways in which the coronavirus spreads continue, new research suggests once again that bathrooms, and particularly toilets, represent a potential vector for infection.  Recently published research in the academic journal Physics of Fluids finds that toilet flushing produces a "massive upward transport of virus particles" with "40%–60% of particles reaching above the toilet seat, leading to large-scale virus spread." The report continues, "Fecal–oral transmission is a common transmission route for many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Blocking the path of fecal–oral transmission, which occurs commonly in toilet usage, is of fundamental importance in suppressing the spread of viruses." Previously on Archinect: ""Hygiene ventilation" and the case for Green Stimulus." Image courtesy of Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay.For the study, researchers used computer modeling, including AutoCAD, to investigate how far and wide aerosolized virus particles can spread,...

Is it time to redesign the toilet?

As investigations into the ways in which the coronavirus spreads continue, new research suggests once again that bathrooms, and particularly toilets, represent a potential vector for infection. 

Recently published research in the academic journal Physics of Fluids finds that toilet flushing produces a "massive upward transport of virus particles" with "40%–60% of particles reaching above the toilet seat, leading to large-scale virus spread." The report continues, "Fecal–oral transmission is a common transmission route for many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Blocking the path of fecal–oral transmission, which occurs commonly in toilet usage, is of fundamental importance in suppressing the spread of viruses."

Previously on Archinect: ""Hygiene ventilation" and the case for Green Stimulus." Image courtesy of Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay.

For the study, researchers used computer modeling, including AutoCAD, to investigate how far and wide aerosolized virus particles can spread,...