Will Lining The Toilet Seat Protect You From Germs? | What The FAQs | NowThis

Do you cover the toilet seat with toilet paper before you use a public bathroom? Or hover over the top? You’re not alone, but it might not be as effective (or necessary) as you think.
» Subscribe to NowThis Future:
» Sign up for our newsletter KnowThis to get the biggest stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox:

On this episode of What The FAQs, Andy speaks with a doctor who specializes in infectious disease and preventative medicine to learn about bathroom science and the germs we come in contact with daily.

On any given toilet, there is an average of 1,200 germs per square inch while the average human carries up to a kilogram of microorganisms, which are found on the skin, genitals, and in the gastrointestinal system.

So it isn’t that surprising or unlikely that organisms can be left on the toilet seat. But our bodies are covered with our own set of bacteria that work like a shield to prevent outside germs from getting in.

And while you can pick up bacteria on your skin, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get an illness from them. And as for that layer of toilet paper protection between you and the seat, the toilet paper just delays the time it takes for bacteria to get to your skin but doesn’t stop it.

Your hands are the main gateway for transmitting germs into your body when you do things like touch your mouth or your eyes, which is why it is so important to wash your hands after using the restroom.

Learn more about bathroom germs in this episode of WTFAQs.

#Germs #Bathroom #Toilets #Science #HumanBody #WhatTheFAQs

Connect with NowThis
» Subscribe to NowThis News:
» Like us on Facebook:
» Tweet us on Twitter:
» Follow us on Instagram:
» Find us on Snapchat Discover:

Why do songs get stuck in our heads? Why does alcohol makes us pee so much? What foods are aphrodisiacs and how do aphrodisiacs work!? ‘What the FAQs’ explores the fun and strange everyday science questions you might be too embarrassed to ask, but curious enough to google. We’ll give you the real answers to your questions about the human body and its odd ways, and we’ll break it down simple so that you can finally understand the weirdest things about you.

From exploring the latest tech and science innovations shaping our future, to living sustainably and protecting our planet from climate change — this is NowThis Future!

NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live.


@NowThisFuture

nowthis,nowthis future,now this future,future,science news,technology,what the faqs,frequently asked questions,commonly asked questions,science questions,public bathroom,public toilet,toilet seat,toilet paper,toilet seat cover,wash your hands,bacteria,microorganisms,restroom,toilet seat covers,public restroom,wash hands,infection,germs,infectious diseases,preventive medicine,