Fireworks-like photos show what happens when a toilet is flushed

A number of surprising photos have captured what really happens when a toilet is flushed with the seat cover still open.

Chemical company Harpic used high-speed specialty cameras to capture the fireworks display of aerosol particles that were spat into the air by the sloshing water of a toilet.

The eye-catching graphics add to a growing movement and encourage people to close the lid before washing. A July study found that coronavirus particles can be sprayed into a cloud up to three feet high with a single flush.

The eye-catching graphics add to a growing movement and encourage people to close the lid before washing. A July study found that coronavirus particles can spray potentially infectious parties into a cloud up to three feet high

One toilet flush produces thousands of tiny aerosol droplets that contain bacteria and viruses and can contaminate surfaces up to two meters away, claims Harpic

A survey of 2,000 Britons found that 55 percent of adults in the UK do not close the lid when flushing the toilet – although nearly three quarters (72 percent) said they were more hygienic than ever.

The water in the toilet bowl remains contaminated for multiple flushes after exposure to harmful pathogens.

The coronavirus is robust and can survive a journey through a person’s digestive system. It is often present in the feces for weeks after symptoms have stopped.

A research and development employee at Harpic said, “There’s never been a more important time to take extra care in our homes. While the risks associated with spreading germs in unsanitary bathrooms are high, the solution to keeping them clean is simple.

“As a hygiene expert, Harpic helps everyone stay safe at home.

“We hope our new #CloseTheLid campaign inspires people to make simple changes to their cleaning routine that can have a lasting impact on the health of the country.”

The coronavirus is robust and can survive a journey through a person’s digestive system. It is often present in the feces for weeks after symptoms have stopped. A research and development employee at Harpic said: “There has never been a more important time to take special care of our houses.”

Some of the particles created by a flush toilet can reach the lower airways, which can lead to infection.

If a person touches a surface that is contaminated from flushing the toilet bowl, they can become infected by touching their nose or mouth.

When asked why they don’t close the lid when flushing the toilet, the main reasons respondents are ignorant of the risks of not flushing (47 percent), fear of touching the lid (24 percent), and general forgetfulness (15) percent).

However, almost all 2,000 respondents (95 percent) admitted that they will close the lid after being made aware of the risks.

The investigation, commissioned by Harpic, found that the British are already taking important steps to step up their cleaning efforts.

Cleaning the toilet bowl (49 percent), cleaning the bathroom more thoroughly (45 percent), and mopping the floor (44 percent) are the top things the nation has started doing more with in the past six months.

Previous research has found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be transmitted through fecal particles.

A study published in the Lancet in June identified virus particles in the feces of COVID-19 patients nearly 5 weeks after the patients tested negative.

These particles were still viable and could cause fecal-oral transmission of the coronavirus, the researchers warned.

Even so, the general public is less aware of this potential transmission route than other infection methods.