Manhar Dhanak of FAU investigated droplets generated from flushing a toilet by using a particle counter. The study demonstrated that public toilets could be a hotbed for airborne disease spread, with restrooms causing concern for the transmission of COVID-19.

“The study suggests that incorporation of adequate ventilation in the design and operation of public spaces would help prevent aerosol accumulation in high occupancy areas such as public restrooms,” said Dhanak. “It might just be a matter of redirecting the airflow based on the restroom's layout.”

• Manhar Dhanak