This is something I often think about when using those new hand dryers in public toilets that blast high-velocity air into a confined space where some of the water removed from people's hands collects.<p>It seems like a great way to aerosolise whatever was on the hands of all the people who previously used the hand dryer.
I believe this has been known a very long time. That's why most tooth brushes are full of fecal coliform.<p>But given how nasty c-diff is, perhaps this will lead to some change in behavior or environment.
Didn’t they test this with toothbrushes on mythbusters? I have long believed toilets spray germs around. If you flush with your arm directly above you will feel fine droplets hit it. Those same droplets would also hit the ground outside the toilet. The next person who walks through the bathroom will spread those germs across the floor and on to other surfaces. I keep my toothbrush in a drawer.
not to mention hand dryers..<p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/dyson-dryers-hurl-60x-more-viruses-most-at-kid-face-height-than-other-dryers/" rel="nofollow">https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/dyson-dryers-hurl-60...</a>
Apparently designers of large air craft have been aware of things like this for quite some time. It's not a good look if everyone on a 747 comes down with measles, or worse.
sounds like an issue that can be mitigated by a simple $400 toilet seat built using tools from NBC protection arsenal like pressure differential - i.e. flush activates only when the seat is down and there is lower pressure by air suction from under the seat during and a bit after the flush. Probably can make for a small (what are the number of toilets in US hospitals? in the world? and also can be sold to some people who have some money to spare :) cottage business.