Taking your mobile into the loo could expose you to four major infections, as a top doctor reveals the health hazards of our most dangerous habits.
The bathroom is often considered the most perilous room in the house for your well-being, with risks ranging from accidents to the myriad of germs hiding on various surfaces.
Yet, it’s our everyday routines that might be jeopardising our health even more, according to Dr Donald Grant.
Dr Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has issued a stark warning: “Many of our seemingly harmless bathroom habits can actually pose significant health risks. From drinking water from questionable sources to multitasking in unsanitary environments, these practices can expose us to harmful bacteria, infections, and other health issues.”
One of the biggest concerns is the increasing trend of using phones or other gadgets in the bathroom, especially during toilet breaks. The specialist pointed out that bringing electronics into this space can lead to them being tainted with germs.
Consequently, this raises the likelihood of contracting gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections when the device is used again. His advice is clear: keep your electronics out of the bathroom entirely and regularly sanitise them with disinfectant wipes.
Dr Grant issued a stark warning about the dangers of using electronics on the loo, highlighting that it can lead to people spending too much time in an unhealthy posture, potentially causing haemorrhoids and other gastrointestinal issues.
He also shed light on the risks associated with flushing the toilet with the lid up, explaining that this action can cause germs to spread across the bathroom through ‘toilet plume’ – droplets of water and microscopic fragments of faeces and urine.
Dr Grant elaborated: “These droplets could be contaminated with faecal matter and lead to the spread of bacteria. By closing the toilet while flushing, these droplets remain in the toilet, avoiding potential health risks such as E.coli and norovirus.”
In addition to these warnings, Dr Grant offered advice for maintaining a healthier bathroom routine, which includes brushing your teeth twice daily, after breakfast and before bed, and ensuring towels are not re-used or shared. He pointed out that towels can become breeding grounds for bacterial and fungal infections if not washed regularly, recommending they be laundered after three to four uses to mitigate health risks.
Lastly, in what should be more apparent unhealthy habits, Dr Grant implored individuals not to drink from the tap or eat in the bathroom. He clarified that bathroom taps can frequently harbour more concerning bacteria than kitchen taps, such as E. coli, and eating in this bacteria-infested room can result in infections and illnesses like gastroenteritis.
He sternly cautioned: “It is crucial to consume food in hygienic, designated areas such as the kitchen or dining room. Prior to eating, ensure thorough handwashing to prevent the transfer of bacteria from other surfaces to your food.”