Taiwanese experts say sitting toilets are more hygienic than squatting toilets | Taiwan News
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – As controversy sparked over a campaign promise to install bidet toilet seats throughout Taipei, Taiwanese experts pointed out that sitting toilets are generally more hygienic than squat toilets, and that public restrooms are generally less dangerous as long as they are properly hygienic. follow.
On Sept. 3, DPP Taipei mayoral candidate and former health minister Chen Shih-chung released a controversial video in which he announced plans to install bidet toilet seats in public restrooms in Taipei. Not only did the video create a backlash against the cleanliness of such devices during the pandemic, but it also reignited the debate about the merits of sitting versus squatting toilets.
UDN quoted Yan Zonghai, Director of the Clinical Toxicology Department of Linkou Chang Gung Hospital, as saying that there are many myths about public toilets in Europe and the United States, such as the belief that public toilets are easy to transmit sexually transmitted diseases and vaginitis. However, he said these were just rumours, as the chances of getting infected through a toilet seat were extremely low “because public toilets are extremely unlikely to cause STIs”.
Yan said seated toilets are more hygienic than squat toilets, which are more prone to splashing water on users. He added that some places with toilets will provide paper covers for the toilet seat for added protection.
He suggested that if someone is concerned about the cleanliness of the toilet seat, they can first put toilet paper on the toilet seat and then spray alcohol. He then strongly advised people to wash their hands with soap and water before and after going to the toilet.
Obstetrician and gynecologist Lin Jingyi told the reporter that in public toilets, the medium most likely to spread the virus is “your hands”. Lin pointed out, “Everyone’s hands are the medium for touching genitals, doorknobs, and pressing the flush button.” She then advised citizens to wash their hands before going to the toilet. on touched objects, and sanitize toilet handles after use.
She also stresses that unless booth handles have a lot of secretions and users touch them immediately, their own immune system usually protects them from germs in the environment. Lin also tried to dispel the myth that toilet seats transmit STIs by explaining that this doesn’t usually happen “because the genitals don’t touch the toilet seat during use.”
