Facts About Toilet Germs

If you had to choose the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, you would probably choose your toilet. However, research disagrees with you. There are far worse things lurking in there. Discover the truth by learning a few facts about toilet germs.

Misconceptions

Most germs on the toilet are found on the handle, not the toilet seat. In fact, the average office desk has more germs on it than a toilet seat. Perhaps because although 95 percent of men and women claim that they wash their hands, researchers discovered that only 67 percent actually do.

Types

Toilets can contain a wide variety of bacteria and viruses.

Bacteria and viruses that can be found in public restrooms include streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli, shigella bacteria, hepatitis A virus, the common cold virus, and various sexually transmitted organisms.

Warning

Fecal bacteria is commonly found on the floor. It can make it onto the bottom of purses and bags that are set down there.

Fun Fact

No matter how clean it my be, you don't want to drink the water.

A 13-year-old boy doing a science experiment discovered that water from his school's toilets was cleaner than the water from the water fountains.

Prevention/Solution

Close the toilet seat cover. Step away from the toilet before you flush because germs can be propelled into the air when it is flushed.

Expert Insight

According to Abigail Salyers, Ph. D., president of the American Society for Microbiology, no one has ever acquired an STD on the toilet seat (unless having sex was involved).

Prevention/Solution

Avoid germs by flushing the toilet with your shoe. Use stalls that offer toilet paper that is almost completely covered by a holder.

Resources

• The Truth about the Toilet
• Myth: Toilet Seats Are the Dirtiest Thing in the Bathroom
• What Can You Catch in Restrooms?
• More Germs on Water Fountain or in Toilet Water?