In a new experiment, scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder were able to visualize air particles, invisible to the naked eye, that were released into the air with a toilet lid and turned red. (University of Colorado Boulder, YouTube)
Estimated reading time: 2-3 minutes
TORONTO – If you thought a flush toilet couldn’t get any thicker, think again.
In a new experiment using green lasers and camera equipment, scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder were able to visualize airborne particles, invisible to the naked eye, that are shot into the air when the toilet lid turns red.
While researchers have known for 60 years that these red-hot particles are shot into the air, this study, published in Science Reports, is the first to directly measure how fast and far the particles are spread.
Here’s the point: These particles can carry pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or other micro-organisms that can cause diseases that could potentially expose the public to health hazards.
These tiny droplets of water can carry pathogens such as E. coli, C. difficile, noroviruses and adenoviruses, and since many past studies have shown that these pathogens can live in the toilet bowl for cleaning flushes, they increase the risk of potential exposure. to be taken care of
scientists reported that in just eight seconds the particles were fired at a speed of 6.6 feet per second, reaching 4.9 feet above the toilet, the larger drops appearing on the surface of the ground within seconds, while the smaller ones lingering in the air. minutes or even longer, I found interesting.
Researchers note the importance of understanding the effects of these particles to mitigate exposure. “If there’s something you can’t see, it’s easy to pretend it’s not there. But when you see these videos, you’ll never think about a red toilet the same way again,” said John Crimaldi, lead author. study and professor of civil, environmental and architecture, in the study of newspapers. “Through the dramatic images of this visual process, our study can play an important role in public health reporting.”
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