The aim of this study was to quantify viral contamination of surfaces in restrooms after flushing and the impact of disinfectants added to the toilet bowl prior to flushing on reducing surface contamination. Contamination of surfaces in the restroom was assessed with and without the addition of coliphage MS2 to the toilet bowl before flushing. The bowl water and various surfaces in the restroom were subsequently tested for the presence of the virus.
Results showed that toilet flushing resulted in extensive contamination of surfaces (toilet bowl rim, toilet seat top, and toilet seat underside) within the restroom. Addition of disinfectant to the toilet bowl prior to flushing reduced the level of contamination in the toilet bowl and on surfaces after flushing when the contact time was ≥15 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide produced very little reduction of virus in the toilet bowl (<1 log10). Peracetic acid and quaternary ammonium had the greatest log reductions on virus in the organic matter in the toilet. American Journal of Infection Control. 2018, 5, 507-511
