
08/07/2025
Scientists warn that flushing a toilet with the lid open releases a “toilet plume”—tiny aerosolized particles of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens—into the air.
Research, including laser-based studies from the University of Colorado, shows that the flushing action generates turbulent flow, propelling waste particles up to 6 feet and keeping them suspended for minutes, potentially settling on surfaces like toothbrushes, towels, and countertops.
Pathogens such as E. coli and norovirus have been detected in these plumes, posing health risks, especially in bathrooms with poor ventilation.
Closing the lid before flushing can significantly reduce this dispersal by up to 50%, per a 2021 study in Physics of Fluids, offering a simple yet effective mitigation strategy.
While the establishment emphasizes hygiene, skepticism remains—quantifying infection risk requires more data, as exposure levels vary by bathroom use and cleaning habits.