Why You Shouldn't Line Public Toilet Seats with Paper While Traveling

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Laying toilet paper on the seat isn't an effective solution to minimize the risk of infectious diseases in public restrooms.

Why You Shouldn't Line Public Toilet Seats with Paper While Traveling

Many people always try to avoid public restrooms at all costs because no one wants to smell the odor, see stains on the walls, or encounter dirty sinks... The most common concern is still the reluctance to use the toilet in public restrooms.

However, when traveling far on trips, you are forced to use public restrooms in unavoidable situations. Lining the toilet seat with paper is a makeshift solution chosen by many. But in reality, this barrier exposes you to more bacteria.

The reason lies in the structure of the toilet bowl; the seat is often made of materials resistant to infectious bacteria. Dr. William Schaffer, a professor of preventive medicine, told Huffington Post: 'Toilet seats aren't a source of any infectious disease transmission; you won't catch anything from them.'

Meanwhile, toilet paper has a structure that easily absorbs, making it the perfect environment for bacteria to linger, according to Sun. Rolls of paper are often placed close to the toilet, within reach for convenience – but this location attracts many bacteria that are sprayed out after each flush.

If you really don't want to touch the toilet bowl, you can squat far away from it – consider it a thigh workout in a public restroom, or find a stall with a squat toilet. The most important thing to fend off harmful bacteria is to wash your hands after each toilet use and avoid touching clean hands to surfaces like door handles, faucet handles...

According to Tieu Bao/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour

MytourNovember 13, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health risks of using public restrooms while traveling?

Using public restrooms can expose you to bacteria and germs, especially if hygiene practices are not followed. It's crucial to wash your hands after use to minimize the risk of infections.

Is lining a toilet seat with paper effective in preventing disease?

No, lining a toilet seat with paper is not an effective way to prevent disease. Toilet seats themselves are not a significant source of infectious disease transmission.

How can I minimize bacteria exposure in public restrooms?

To minimize bacteria exposure, wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and avoid touching surfaces like door handles. If possible, use a squat toilet to limit contact with the seat.

What materials are toilet seats made from, and do they harbor bacteria?

Toilet seats are typically made from materials resistant to bacteria. They are less likely to harbor infectious germs compared to toilet paper, which can absorb bacteria easily.

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