What is it about?
This study observed which stalls were occupied most often in a public bathroom with 3 stalls. The middle stall was used the least. The end stall with the most privacy against a wall was used the most. The findings suggest using the least occupied middle stall may reduce disease transmission risk compared to more frequently used stalls.
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Photo by Wilhelm Gunkel on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study provides data on how to mitigate risk when using public bathrooms. Choosing the least used stall reduces potential contact with pathogens left by previous users. The findings can guide the public to make safer choices and minimize disease transmission.
Perspectives
Most people instinctively choose the end stall for privacy. But it might be better to opt for the middle stall, despite less privacy, to lower my risk of contracting viruses and bacteria from previous users. This simple change in bathroom behavior might make a difference in protecting my health and preventing the spread of infections. This study gives practical tips to reduce disease transmission through simple changes in daily habits.
Thomas F Heston MD
University of Washington
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Selecting the Safest Public Bathroom Stall in the Era of COVID-19, Journal of Clinical Medical Research, August 2023, Athenaeum Scientific Publishers,
DOI: 10.46889/jcmr/2023.4215.
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