Is it actually dangerous to sit on public toilets without seat protectors?
––Anonymous
This is a great question for everyone who uses a toilet, but especially in the context of potty training. We all know how urgent things get when you’re out in public and your kid says they have to go. Do you really have to take the time to lay down toilet paper or a seat protector for your toddler?
The primary concern with toilet seats is the bacteria they harbor. Let’s say someone poops in a public toilet. They flush. The poop- and bacterial-laden water droplets splash up a bit (more on this below) and land on the seat. Now there is bacteria and poop on the seat. Obviously, people might also just straight up pee or poop on the seat, which is gross but does happen.
So, however it got there, there’s bacteria. Fortunately, your skin is very good at protecting you! The scenario in which this might be a problem is if you have open sores — if you have a cut or some other open wound, bacteria from a toilet seat could get in and cause an infection. Without this risk, the chance of the seat bacteria being an issue is remote.
However, this does reinforce why it’s good to wash your hands. There is a reasonable chance, even if you make a solid effort, that you’ll touch the toilet seat. If you then put your hands in your mouth or in your nose (or, generally, if you touch your face), bacteria can spread (this is the “fecal-oral route”) and make you sick. Conclusion: Wash your hands.
Final point: When you flush the toilet (your toilet, a public toilet, any toilet), there is a spray of water droplets that is called the “fecal plume.” You could inhale these and get sick. So, if possible, stand back when you flush or close the toilet seat lid.
Community Guidelines
Log in