Coming from California, I expected to encounter many differences from coast to coast. One difference I did not expect is that on this coast, disposable paper toilet seat covers . At first I was disgusted. Why was I forced to expose my butt to the horrors of an uncovered toilet seat?
Firstly, using disposable toilet seat covers isn’t just limited to California. It seems to be the whole west coast. Washington requires employers to provide sanitary seat covers in the workplace. It is pretty rare that you encounter a public restroom without disposable sanitary covers on that side of the U.S. and if theres no cover, you hover.
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Is hovering even worth the stress and the leg workout? According to a study done on sitting versus squatting toilets and their roles in transmitting infectious diseases, squatting toilets were found to have more microorganisms. So if thats what is going on underneath you when you don’t sit maybe going bareback is the way to go.
But if paper seat covers are as useless as many East Coasters claim, why are they still found in major stores like Target and places like the Philly airport? According to two separate studies disposable paper toilet seat covers are ideal for helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
After adapting to the paperless sitting experience, I can attest that I have yet to encounter any negative health effects. Thats certainly not enough to abolish these protective papers. It is very necessary for science to continue to explore this issue so the U.S. can reach a definitive answer. By neglecting this topic we continue to waste resources on a possibly ineffective product.
Though more data is needed, it would be very unethical to experiment with trying to spread a disease through toilets. Subjecting enough subjects to gain sufficient data would put a horrifically large amount of people at risk of contracting infectious diseases. Instead, observational work would have to be done, making finding a quick solution a tough process. Until then, use your best judgement. Or maybe, do it the old fashioned way.
I have never really thought much about it, but from what I’ve seen, most public places do have the disposable toilet seat covers. I always use them because it makes me feel better, but your blog made me think about whether or not it is even necessary. I liked how you included your own personal opinions in your blog and tied them into your research. However, I think it could have made your argument stronger if you had found more studies that back up your thoughts.
I really appreciate your article. Actually this is the first time I realize the problem you mentioned. Indeed there are lots of inconvenience when using the public sector toilets. The action one uses when using toilet is a considerable question. However, the experiment you mentioned in the blog seems lack of data to support which makes the statement less convincing. But overall I find your blog very interesting!