Two recent postings debated bathroom fans, odors and germs. One poster was correct in identifying bathroom fans as "ventilation fans." (which are installed to remove moisture, not toilet odors). He was also correct in stating that the ventilation fan will not pull odors or germs from the toilet bowl, although this should be checked before making a definitive statement. When a toilet is flushed a plume of germs and odors is spewed over 6 feet into the air where a ventilation fan will have some affect. The germs float through the air and land on counters, towels, tissues, faucets and toothbrushes where they can live for up to several days. (This is based on scientific research from at least 2 sources.) Germs found in toilet bowls include Hepatitis A, Norwalk Virus, Fecal Coliform, Salmonella and others. Norwalk Virus is the cause of "Sick Ship Syndrome" and has caused hospitalizaion and emergency surgery in some cases. A device that vacuums odors and germs from the toilet bowl would help control the spread of diseases. Eliminating the embarrassment caused by odors would be an added bonus.
- posted
19 years ago