The Hidden Threat: Unveiling the Microbial World in the Washroom
We spend 90% of our time indoors, whether at home, work, school, or the gym. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a global concern, with both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution linked to respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 3.8 million people die annually due to indoor air-related illnesses. While IAQ is often emphasised in workplaces and homes, an overlooked area is the washroom—a space meant for hygiene but teeming with microbial threats.
The Bio-Aerosol Threat
Each toilet flush releases bio-aerosols—tiny airborne particles containing bacteria, viruses, and fecal matter. Essentially, we breathe in toilet water and its contaminants. These bio-aerosols linger, spread, and settle on surfaces, facilitating transmission. High-touch areas like countertops, faucets, and door handles become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, which are easily transferred to human hosts. A 2023 study from the University of Colorado Boulder detailed how flushing disperses these contaminants throughout the air.
Common Microbial Residents in Washrooms
Washrooms harbour a cocktail of bacteria and viruses. E. coli, often associated with fecal contamination, can replicate every 20 minutes, meaning a single cell can become over 8 million cells in under eight hours. It thrives on toilet surfaces, faucets, and door handles, spreading easily through improper hygiene. Salmonella, a leading cause of food borne illness, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), commonly found on skin and nasal passages, are also present. Staph carriers may not get sick but can transmit severe infections to others.
Viruses are equally prevalent, including influenza, norovirus (a cause of gastroenteritis), rhinovirus (common cold), adenovirus (respiratory and gastrointestinal infections), pneumonia virus, and COVID-19 variants. Whether transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or airborne particles, these microbes thrive in poorly ventilated washrooms, especially public ones with compromised hygiene.
Additional Airborne Threats: VOCs and Mould
Beyond bacteria and viruses, washrooms contain harmful gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These originate from cleaning agents, air fresheners, and personal care products, leading to respiratory irritation and long-term health effects. High humidity fosters mould and mildew, which release spores that trigger respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies.
Most washrooms lack proper ventilation, with exhaust fans primarily designed for odor removal rather than air purification. This results in poor air circulation and a buildup of CO2 and particulate matter (PM). Cleaning agents and air fresheners contribute significantly to CO2 levels, which mix with PM from toilet flushing and hand-drying methods, creating an unhealthy air environment.
Health Risks
The combination of bio-aerosols, bacteria, viruses, VOCs, and inadequate ventilation turns washrooms into hotspots for health risks. These include:
- Respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergies and skin infections
- Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps due to pathogens like E. coli, Staph, Salmonella, and norovirus
- Long-term exposure effects, including cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function
Mitigated the Risk
Along with standard cleaning practices, introducing LIVVAir’s AIRsteril® is the perfect solution as it disinfect and decontaminates eliminating bacteria and odours from with the washrooms.
It’s patented technology, removes all the harmful bacteria, viruses, pathogens, VOCs, spores along with odours leaving the washroom pleasant and smelling fresh.
Requires no chemicals or making agents, which makes it safe and environmentally friendly solution for odour and microbial removal.
They are filter-less, plug and play, easy to install in any washroom.
Perfect Long-Term Solution to Eliminating the Microbial Threat & Bad Odours within Washrooms
Invest in the health and well-being of your staff and clients. Today
Order your LIVVAir’s AIRsteril®