Hospital toilet flushing can spread pathogens

Study shows particle concentrations before and after the flush were significantly different


Flushing a hospital toilet during patient care can lead to spread of pathogens, according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Leadership and Infection Control website.

A recent study quantified the particles produced from flushing a hospital toilet during routine patient care.

The study showed bioaerosol concentrations when flushing fecal waste were found to be significantly greater than background concentrations. 

Aerosols generated may remain for longer than 30 minutes post toilet flush, according to the study.

Read the article.

 

 



February 12, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Grounding Healthcare Spaces in Hospitality Principles

Thoughtful design can establish the calm of a spa and the restorative feeling of a resort in healthcare spaces, bringing benefits for patients and care providers.


UC Davis Health Selects Rudolph and Sletten for Central Utility Plant Expansion

Work is already underway with substantial completion anticipated in the fall of 2027.


Cape Cod Healthcare Opens Upper 2 Floors of Edwin Barbey Patient Care Pavilion

The first two floors opened for patients in May 2025 and house the Davenport-Mugar Cancer Center.


Building Sustainable Healthcare for an Aging Population

Traditional responses — building more primary and secondary care facilities — are no longer sustainable.


Froedtert ThedaCare Announces Opening of ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh

The organization broke ground on the health campus in March 2024.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.