Public toilets might get a little grimy, but they’re very unlikely to pose any threat to your health. Most bacteria that could be any danger to people perish quickly on barren bathroom surfaces. And a functioning immune system (plus hand washing!) will stave off most of the rest.

Unsurprisingly, skin-associated bacteria are found in areas often touched by hands: doors, stalls, faucets and soap dispensers. Gut-associated Formicates and Bactericides were more prevalent on toilet handles and seats, likely due to fecal contamination from direct contact or from toilet spray. Lactobacillus bacteria, associated with the vaginal microbiome, were more commonly found in women’s restrooms.

People bring a lot of bacteria into bathrooms, the researchers found. Within an hour of normal use, there were 500,000 bacterial cells per square inch on the bathroom surfaces, on average. Experimental studies have suggested that flushing a lidless toilet can create an aerosol plume of bacteria that could be potentially infectious, but there are not any proven examples of disease being transmitted in this way.

Ultimately, hygiene, public health and vaccination have made it significantly less likely that you’ll run across a dangerous pathogen while out and about, even in public restrooms.But with the help of Enviro-Masters Sani-Shield service, you can offer your customers and employees a piece of mind.

Find out how today!