![Experts Say Put the Lid On It](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2020/04/toilet2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Experts Say Put the Lid On It
As our nation and the world battle against COVID-19 some experts claim that putting the lid down on the toilet after using and before flushing needs to be done to help prevent the virus from spreading.
According to an article written for Forbes by Alexandra Sternlicht scientists are warning that "aerosolized feces" can spread COVID-19.
In the article Sternlicht writes that because of a phenomenon known as "toilet plume" particles of stool or urine can become airborn when you flush the toilet after use. Professor Qingyan Chen from Purdue University says an easy way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to close the lid on the toilet before flushing. Chen was quoted as saying that "80 percent of particles that escape from fecal matter can be prevented by closing the lid when flushing."
Also in Sternlicht's article it is reported that a toilet flush with the lid up could unleash up to 80,000 polluted droplets and leave them suspended in the air for hours.
![WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM logo](https://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2021/12/attachment-512.jpg?w=100)
Experts point out that hand-washing is still a huge key in preventing the Coronavirus spread. This certainly is extremely important always but more so at this time. It is suggested that you use a paper towel, toilet paper or tissue if you need to use the handle to flush.
While these procedures can certainly help another issue concerns toilets in airports, hotels and other large gathering areas. That's the use of toilets with no lid or motion activating flushing where the toilet flushes automatically. No applicable research data was found to combat the issue.
More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM
![1,300 Air Filters Provided for Cleaner School Air in Broome County](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2023/09/attachment-clean-air.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nearly Half of New York Overdoses Now Involve Fentanyl](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2022/08/attachment-New-York-Overdose-Fentanyl.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Your Questions Answered: FAQ About New York’s COIVD-19 Related State of Emergency](http://townsquare.media/site/498/files/2021/08/attachment-GettyImages-1333618161.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![As New York State Waits To Hear From CDC, Mask Mandate Remains in Place at Schools](http://townsquare.media/site/498/files/2021/06/kelly-sikkema-eTwHwOUZjEE-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![7 Brew’s Second Binghamton-Area Stand Now Under Construction](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2024/07/attachment-2024.07.26-7-BREW-A-e1722023488684.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Part of Court Street Building Falls to Sidewalk in Binghamton](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2024/07/attachment-2024.07.25-34-COURT-ST-A.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Johnson City Opening Redesigned Village Park](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2024/07/attachment-2024.07.24-JENISON-PARK-A.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Massive Grocery Store Vegetable Recall in New York](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2024/07/attachment-Copy-of-Add-a-subheading-66.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Hope for Old McDonald’s Restaurant in Endwell](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2024/07/attachment-2024.07.18-MCDONALDS-ENDWELL-B.jpg?w=980&q=75)