Toilet Research Articles

P-253. Impact of Restroom Disinfecting/Cleaning Frequency and Product Selection on Risk of Infection

Abstract Background Restrooms are associated with transmission of bacterial and viral illnesses. Disinfecting pathogen-contaminated surfaces represents an intervention for reducing transmission risk. This study assessed whether cleaning/disinfecting frequency affects bacterial pathogen contamination in American patient rooms, long term care facilities and households with ≥ four occupants. Methods During the control phase, toilet surfaces (toilet bowl, water, and rim) were cleaned using a 9.5% w/w hydrochloric acid product only. During the intervention phase, multiple restroom surfaces (vanity/sink, toilet surfaces, floor, doorknob including toilet bowl) were cleaned/disinfected with disinfecting/cleaning products selected for the specific surfaces. Surface samples were collected and tested for heterotrophic and coliform bacteria after 1, 2, 3, or 7 days, with sampling being randomized during the week. The ratio of E. coli to norovirus in feces from an infected person was then used to perform a quantitative microbial risk assessment. Results The greatest numbers of bacteria were recovered on surfaces after three days. The largest reduction in bacterial recovery occurred during a three-day (∼twice-a-week) cleaning cycle, resulting in statistically significant reductions in recovery of heterotrophic bacteria (P = 0.00898) and Escherichia coli (P = 0.01). Conclusion Quantitative microbial risk assessments of commonly touched surfaces suggests that risk of infection by norovirus (highly contagious, excreted in high numbers, low human infectious dose) may be reduced by 91.5% using a three-day (twice-a-week) restroom cleaning/disinfection cycle. Disclosures Charles P. Gerba, PhD, Rickitt Benckiser: Grant/Research Support

Cement-bonded wood panels filled with duroplast sanitary ware wastes

Cement-bonded wood panels filled with duroplast sanitary ware wastes

Long-term, automated stool monitoring using a novel smart toilet: A feasibility study.

Patients' report of bowel movement consistency is unreliable. We demonstrate the feasibility of long-term automated stool image data collection using a novel Smart Toilet and evaluate a deterministic computer-vision analytic approach to assess stool form according to the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Our smart toilet integrates a conventional toilet bowl with an engineered portal to image feces in a predetermined region of the plumbing post-flush. The smart toilet was installed in a workplace bathroom and used by six healthy volunteers. Images were annotated by three experts. A computer vision method based on deep learning segmentation and mathematically defined hand-crafted features was developed to quantify morphological attributes of stool from images. 474 bowel movements images were recorded in total from six subjects over a mean period of 10 months. 3% of images were rated abnormal with stool consistency BSFS 2 and 4% were BSFS 6. Our image analysis algorithm leverages interpretable morphological features and achieves classification of abnormal stool form with 94% accuracy, 81% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Our study supports the feasibility and accuracy of long-term, non-invasive automated stool form monitoring with the novel smart toilet system which can eliminate the patient burden of tracking bowel forms.

Determination of reverberation time in large educational auditoriums

According to the current regulation, acoustic comfort in educational buildings in Lithuania is ensured by applying sound insulation of structures and limiting excessive room reverberation. The maximum reverberation time values described in the document depend on the building's acoustic comfort class, room volume and frequency range. In order to determine the design values of the reverberation time for larger auditoriums, there is a need for consultations with an acoustic expert. This paper presents some typical examples of reverberation time measurements in new, old and modernized large lecture halls. The measurement results indicate good practice in the design and installation of new auditorium, as well as the nature and importance of acoustic problems in old and modernized ones. The analysis of the measurement results allows us to assume that the success of the project's acoustic quality often depends on the designer's ability to properly assess the design indicators and the properties of applied materials.

Analysis of Health Problem Factors with the Presence of Aedes Albopictus Mosquito Larvae in Water Reservoirs

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito that can act as a vector for dengue fever. Aedes aegypti prefers stagnant water in a container, not stagnant water on the ground. Potential breeding places are water reservoirs used for daily needs such as drums, bathtubs, toilet bowls, jars, buckets and others. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors are related to the presence of aedes aegypti mosquito larvae in the Nusa Harapan Permai complex. This research method is explanatory research with a cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique, so that the number of samples is obtained. The instruments in this study were questionnaires and checklists using univariate and bivariate data analysis. From the research results, it was found that there is a relationship between the implementation of mosquito nest eradication (PSN) , there is a relationship between TPA, there is a relationship between the existence of solid waste and the existence of larvae and there is no relationship between the frequency of mosquito larvae visits and the existence of larvae. In conclusion, there is a relationship between the implementation of mosquito nest eradication (PSN), TPA, and the existence of solid waste with the presence of larvae, and there is no relationship between the frequency of mosquito larvae visits and the presence of larvae.

Analysis of Hospital Safety and Risk of Falls in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil.

This study analyzed hospital safety and the risk of falls in elderly people in a university hospital in Brazil. The Morse Falls Scale was used to stratify the risk of falls in 45 hospitalized elderly individuals, and two checklists were used to analyze the hospital environment. The analysis was based on the Chi-square test and multiple regression. The moderate risk of falls was predominant (51.1%). The variable age group (p-value = 0.024) showed statistical evidence of association with the risk of falls. However, the multiple regression analysis showed no difference between the age groups and the risk situation for falls. The hospital wards showed an adequate arrangement of furniture, but some aspects had inadequacies, such as objects in the corridors, non-functional bells in some beds, inadequacy of the toilet bowls in terms of the recommended height, and an absence of non-slip flooring and the support bar in some bathrooms. In conclusion, the moderate risk of falls among the elderly and the adequacy of the hospital environment to technical standards were evident with the exception of failures in the emergency communication system and sanitary installation.

Enhancing Durability of Concrete and Mortar with Ceramic Waste: A Comprehensive Review

The construction industry continually seeks sustainable materials to enhance the durability of structures while minimizing environmental impact. Ceramic waste, a by-product of the ceramic manufacturing process, presents a promising alternative. Traditionally used for tiles, sanitary ware, and bricks, ceramic materials are valued for their high strength, aesthetic appeal, and thermal insulation properties. The study indicates that ceramic waste enhances the durability of construction materials due to its inherent properties, such as low water absorption and high abrasion resistance. Additionally, utilizing ceramic waste addresses environmental concerns associated with landfill disposal, which include soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of landfill space. Incorporating ceramic waste into construction materials not only offers environmental benefits by reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources but also provides economic advantages through cost-effective waste management and material production. This research explores the incorporation of ceramic waste into construction materials, emphasizing the enhanced durability properties like water absorption, Chloride test, UPV test, Electrical resistivity test, freezing and thawing test, drying shrinkage test and sulphate attack test of concrete and mortar mix while highlighting the dual benefits of improved material performance. The results of water absorption increases with ceramic amount increment, resistance to chloride ion rises to 20% replacement, drying shrinkage and electrical resistivity decreases with increase in amount of ceramic waste, freezing and thawing & sulphate attack showed that ceramic waste material used as aggregate increases, mass loss reduces due to freezing and thawing cycles and the amount of ceramic waste material used increases, compressive strength increases up to a certain limit when immersion in sulphuric acid solution.

Ability of Ceramic Composite Beads as a Pre-treatment for Laundry Wastewater and Preparation of the Process

Abstract The escalating demand for laundry services, particularly in university districts, has raised concerns about its impact on biodiversity. The situation becomes even more critical when wastewater is discharged into drainage systems without adequate treatment. This study aimed to enhance laundry wastewater treatment by employing ceramic composite beads using ceramic sanitary ware waste and chitosan. The investigation began by characterizing laundry wastewater to identify its specific attributes. Subsequently, the study quantified the removal of zinc as a metal during the laundry wastewater treatment process. Laundry wastewater characteristics were assessed using various parameters, including pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity. The result revealed that the treatment of laundry wastewater with ceramic composite beads adsorbent successfully achieved over 50 % reduction in zinc concentration. These findings showed that the ceramic composite bead exhibited an efficiency for metal removal from the laundry wastewater for safe disposal.

Exploring toilet plume bioaerosol exposure dynamics in public toilets using a Design of Experiments approach

Bioaerosols generated during toilet flushing can contribute to the spread of airborne pathogens and cross-contamination in indoor environments. This presents an increased risk of fomite-mediated or aerosol disease transmission. This study systematically investigated the factors contributing to increased bioaerosol exposure following toilet flushing and developed an empirical model for predicting the exposure-relevant bioaerosol concentration. Air in a toilet cubicle was sampled by impaction after seeding with Clostridium difficile spores. Design of Experiments (DoE) main effects screening and full factorial design approaches were then employed to investigate the significant factors that heighten the risk of exposure to bioaerosols post-flush. Our findings reveal that the inoculated bacterial concentration (C), time elapsed after flushing (t), lateral distance (d), and mechanical ventilation (v) are significant predictors of bioaerosol concentration, with p-values < 0.05. The interaction term, C × d showed a marked increase in bioaerosol concentration up to 232 CFU/m3 at the closest proximity and highest pathogen load. The interplay of C and t (C × t) demonstrated a time-dependent attenuation of bioaerosol viability, with concentrations peaking at 241 CFU/m3 immediately post-flush and notably diminishing over time. The lateral distance and time post-flush (d × t) interaction also revealed a gradual decrease in bioaerosol concentration, highlighting the effectiveness of spatial and temporal dilution in mitigating bioaerosol exposure risks. Furthermore, there is an immediate rise in relative humidity levels post-flush, impacting the air quality in the toilet environment. This study not only advances our understanding of exposure pathways in determining bioaerosol exposure, but also offers pivotal insights for designing targeted interventions to reduce bioaerosol exposure. Recommendations include designing public toilets with antimicrobial surfaces, optimizing ventilation, and initiating timely disinfection protocols to prioritise surfaces closest to the toilet bowl during peak exposure periods, thereby promoting healthier indoor environments and safeguarding public health in high-traffic toilet settings.

Mathematical simulation of duration and frequency of water consumption by various water dispensers

Water flow rates calculated by using deterministic models and methods do not describe the real variability in the water supply operation. This problem can be solved by mathematical simulation. The stochastic nature of the water consumption process implies involves random variables with certain distribution laws describing the main process components, namely intensity, duration and frequency.This paper discusses the mathematical simulation of the duration and frequency of water consumption by the most common types of water dispensers (kitchen sink and bathtub faucets (shower cubicle), toilet bowl with flush tank, washing machine and dishwasher).Purpose: The aim of this work is to evaluate and substantiate theoretical laws of the water consumption by the most common types of water dispensers as well as the frequency (probability) of their daily use.Research findings: The duration and frequency are determined for water consumed by various water dispensers using water supply systems of buildings. The empirical data are analyzed. Mathematical simulation method is proposed and justified for the water consumption process.

The comfort level in breast cancer patients’ based on patients’ characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Comfort level in breast cancer patients is one of the most critical factors influencing patient’s treatment commitment. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various sectors, especially health status.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aims to describe patients' comfort levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the relationship between patients’ characteristics and comfort levels.&#x0D; Methods: This study involved 108 respondents using a consecutive sampling technique at one time (cross-sectional). The research instrument was Comfort Assessment Breast Cancer Instrument (CABCI). The data were analyzed using Chi-Square.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the comfort level in this study is categorized as comfortable. The best comfort aspect is the environmental aspect and the least is the physical aspect. In addition, there are two variables related to comfort, treatment (p = 0.007; α = 0.05) and treatment room (p = 0.000; α = 0.05). The best comfort level was found in chemotherapy treatment and outpatient rooms. Patients feel comfortable with a neat, clean, conducive hospital environment and the implementation of health protocols. These aspects could effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of this study recommend nursing services to optimize all aspects of comfort, which could still be improved. Interventions that maintain or improve comfort will optimize patients’ health conditions.

The Performance of Portland Cement Pastes (OPC) Incorporated with Ceramic Sanitary Ware Powder Waste (CSPW) at Ambient Temperature

The physical and mechanical performance of Portland cement pastes (OPC) incorporated waste ceramic sanitary ware powder waste (CSPW) at ambient temperature has been investigated. Cement mixes were prepared by replacing the cement with CSPW at proportions of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 wt. %. The results showed that the water of consistency and setting times (initial and final) were increased with the gradual addition of CSP, whereas the water absorption and total porosity were decreased, while the bulk density slightly was enhanced but only up till 16 wt. % CSPW. The same trend was displayed with mechanical properties, where the flexural (FS) and compressive strengths (CS) of the cement specimens were also improved and enhanced till 16 wt. %, but then all were decreased with further addition of CSPW. The experimental results indicated that the CSPW has a potential to be successfully recycled in the OPC pastes as a partial replacement merely up to 16 wt. % which had a better performance than the blank at ambient temperature. The FT-IR spectra illustrated that the amount of CSHs was increased, while that of free lime content decreased. This was conformed by SEM microscopy. Moreover, the recovery of CSPW contributes to both reducing environmental pollution and CO2 emissions.

Bacteriological Tracing of Haemophilus influenzae in Some Public Toilet Seat Bowls of Port Harcourt

The study aimed at tracing Haemophilus influenzae on toilet seat bowls of some public toilets in Port Harcourt. The toilets were coded DER, TYU, AFR for park, market and hospital toilets respectively, for the purpose of the study. Swabs were collected aseptically from the toilet seat bowls, with a moistened swab stick, and then introduced into a freshly prepared sterile peptone water for viability of the Haemophilus influenza isolates. Thereafter, the spread plate technique was employed in which the swabbed samples were inoculated into Chocolate agar. Result showed toilet seat bowl coded DER had a Haemophilus influenzae mean count of 5 x 102CFU/ml while codes TYU and AFR had a mean Haemophilus influenzae counts of 6 x 102 and 9 x 102 CFU/ml respectively. A percentage frequency occurrence of Haemophilus influenzae on the toilet bowl showed DER coded toilets had 17% frequency of occurrence, while codes TYU and AFR had 25 and 58% frequency of occurrence respectively. A total of 49 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were identified macroscopically and biochemically. The presence of Haemophilus influenzae on surface of toilet seat bowl may have resulted from aerosols generated during flushing. Thus, influenza infection (respiratory tract infection) may affect users. Hence, toilet seats, specifically, codes AFR class of toilets should be closed before and after flushing at all times.

Effect of cation addition on silica scale on glass surfaces

AbstractMineral components in tap water generally contaminate sanitary ware. In this study, various cations (Mg, Ca, and Al) were added to an aqueous solution containing silica to prevent water stains on sanitary ware. The particle size in the aqueous solution was measured and observed to increase for all cations. To create artificial water stains, a solution containing the cations and silica was dropped onto glass and allowed to dry. When these water stains were removed by sliding, the removal rate was higher for the water stains that contained the cations. This trend was attributed to the formation of precipitates owing to the reaction of silica with the added cations in the aqueous solution. The formation of these precipitates possibly increased the particle size and brittleness of water stains owing to their sparse structure. These findings provide insights into silica‐scale removal, which can improve the cleanliness of sanitary ware and reduce the frequency of maintenance.

Sustainable degradation of synthetic plastics: A solution to rising environmental concerns

Plastics have a significant role in various sectors of the global economy since they are widely utilized in agriculture, architecture, and construction, as well as health and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in several industries as they are utilized in the production of diverse things such as defense materials, sanitary wares, tiles, plastic bottles, artificial leather, and various other household goods. Plastics are utilized in the packaging of food items, medications, detergents, and cosmetics. The overconsumption of plastics presents a significant peril to both the ecosystem and human existence on Earth. The accumulation of plastics on land and in the sea has sparked interest in finding ways to breakdown these polymers. It is necessary to employ suitable biodegradable techniques to decrease the accumulation of plastics in the environment. To address the environmental issues related to plastics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and polymers. A wide range of creatures, particularly microbes, have developed techniques to survive and break down plastics. This review specifically examines the categorization of plastics based on their thermal and biodegradable properties, as well as the many types of degradation and biodegradation. It also discusses the various types of degradable plastics, the characterization of biodegradation, and the factors that influence the process of biodegradation. The plastic breakdown and bioremediation capabilities of these microbes make them ideal for green chemistry applications aimed at removing hazardous polymers from the ecosystem.

Analysis of constituent factors affecting the state of dedusting of aspiration emissions

A significant part of industry is occupied by technology that is involved in the processes of manufacturing products, for example, sanitary ware factory, foundry, chemical or sugar industry. At such enterprises a large amount of dusty air is generated, which comes from various technological processes. Dust and gas collecting devices are used to purify dusty air. Depending on the state of dust and air flow, its fraction, dust dispersion and the method of collection, different aspiration devices are used. Aspiration devices are divided by the method of dust collection into wet or dry. Each of these types of aspiration devices has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed in this article, such as increased aerodynamic or hydraulic resistance, regeneration of the device, the size of the trapped fraction, the need to use flushing fluid, etc. The classification of plant types for selection to a specific process or needs depends on the most efficient method of collection, particle dispersion and energy efficiency of the dust collector. Wet dust collectors have more diverse forms, designs and applications than dry dust collectors. Wet dust collectors are divided into groups depending on the state of the liquid phase (devices in which dust deposition occurs on a film of liquid, foam devices, turbulent dust collectors or condensation devices) and on the method of dispersion of the liquid (nozzle scrubbers, devices in which crushing is carried out due to the energy of the gas-air flow or dynamic gas washers). In this article, the designs and operating features of various wet dust collectors of each of these groups are considered in accordance with their characteristics of dust collection, liquid flow rate and design shortcomings. On the basis of the works of a number of researchers, the characteristics of the fractional degree of air purification from dust are graphically presented to determine the most effective apparatus for capturing fine fractions. The conclusions are made and further tasks and plans for conducting the necessary experiments and analysis of the data of scientists' works are set.

Impacts of lid closure during toilet flushing and of toilet bowl cleaning on viral contamination of surfaces in United States restrooms

Viral aerosols generated during toilet flushing represent a potential route of pathogen transmission. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of toilet lid closure prior to flushing on the generation of viral aerosols and cross-contamination of restroom fomites. A surrogate for human enteric viruses (bacteriophage MS2) was added to household and public toilet bowls and flushed. The resulting viral contamination of the toilet and other restroom surfaces was then determined. After flushing the inoculated toilets, toilet seat bottoms averaged >107 PFU/100cm2. Viral contamination of restroom surfaces did not depend on toilet lid position (up or down). After toilet bowls were cleaned using a bowl brush with or without a commercial product (hydrochloric acid), a >4log10 (>99.99%) reduction in contamination of the toilet bowl water was observed versus no product. Bowl brush contamination was reduced by 1.6log10 (97.64%) when the product was used versus no product. These results demonstrate that closing the toilet lid prior to flushing does not mitigate the risk of contaminating bathroom surfaces and that disinfection of all restroom surfaces (ie, toilet rim, floors) may be necessary after flushing or after toilet brush used for the reduction of virus cross-contamination.

Activity of a foam in preventing rebound of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium-containing droplets generated from the toilet bowl

In hospital environments, droplets generated by urination within shared toilets may represent a route of dissemination for bacteria such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm), which contributes significantly to the burden of hospital-acquired infections. We investigated the potential activity of a foam in preventing the generation of droplets containing Enterococcus spp. during urination. A uniform layer of foam was deposited in the inner walls and at the bottom of an experimental toilet contaminated with suspensions of Enterococcus strains (including a VREfm strain). Human urination was simulated, and colonies of Enterococcus were recovered through a toilet lid where agar plates had been placed. Results showed that the foam was able to suppress production of droplets containing Enterococcus spp. generated by a liquid hitting inner toilet walls. Conversely, Enterococcus colonies were recovered in absence of foam. Moreover, the foam did not show antibacterial activity. We propose a new non-antimicrobial approach aimed at limiting transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly in healthcare settings.Graphical

Experimental study on droplet and bioaerosol emissions from flushing a squat toilet

Toilet flushing can produce pathogen-laden aerosols and may pose a serious concern for the transmission of diseases. The emission of bioaerosols from flushing a squat toilet has not been thoroughly examined in the literature. In this study, we conducted pilot measurements to quantify the emission of airborne microorganisms during the flushing of a squat toilet. A full-scale custom-built squat toilet with a typical flushing system was designed and built. The aerosolized droplets and microbes emitted after a single flushing were measured and quantified. Three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, and Salmonella enterica) and two viruses (bacteriophage MS2 and P22) were tested. The results suggest that a single flush can generate a large number of small droplets in the air. The total emission number of droplets within 0.3–10 μm per flush was 5.72 × 105±1.93 × 105 of which 96 % were smaller than 2 μm. We observed a linear correlation between the number of emitted bioaerosols and the amount of microorganisms introduced into the toilet bowl. The quantified data also shows that flushing-induced airborne microorganism emission strength (a normalized parameter) varied significantly with the sizes of microorganisms. Overall, the emission strengths of viruses were significantly higher than those of the tested bacteria. The mean emission strength of P22 and MS2 per flush was 33.5 times higher than the average emission strength of the three tested bacteria. This work provides valuable data on the bioaerosol emission by flushing a squat toilet, which is essential for developing control measures and evaluating the risk of pathogen exposure.

Fine proportions of demolition waste recyclates in terms of functionality and application possibilities in building mixtures

A specific component of demolition waste from concrete and brick structures is the fines that remain after processing into granular recyclate and after sorting out the coarser fractions. In addition to brick and concrete recyclate, this can also include materials such as glass, ceramics (tiles, sanitary ware...), rubber and ornamental stone. These fine-grained wastes in this paper, a systematic review of fine-grained recyclates is elaborated with specification of their nature (inert-active) and a summary of their properties, or their modifications, to achieve the declared functionality. At the same time, an overview of the application possibilities (types of construction mixtures) in which the fines can contribute to the achievement of specific properties (e.g. self-compacting concretes, decorative plaster, mortars, railway concrete sleepers...).