4 ms·
Yes, we are all familiar with the Mythbusters episode, which does not take anything away from the fact that particulates will be in higher concentrations inside
by bryans 11y ago
Yes, we are all familiar with the Mythbusters episode, which does not take anything away from the fact that particulates will be in higher concentrations inside a public restroom. Increased concentration means increased risk of transference and consumption.
As to your other point, people are not only touching the external edges of the aerator, but the aerator itself, which water does come in contact with.
Lastly, the bacteria present are not non-harmful, and a solid chunk of feces is not required to cause illness. The only reason why these illnesses don't commonly come from restroom faucets and surfaces is that, even though the bacteria are present in the water while washing your hands, the transfer from water, to hands, to mouth is much more difficult and unlikely, especially after drying your hands. However, if you drop those bacteria directly into a glass of water, which goes directly into your mouth, your risk increases dramatically.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal-oral_route https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal-oral_route
- grkvlt 11y agoIncreases dramatically to what? I don't think there have ever been any cases of people being made ill due to drinking water from the taps in a public bathroom anywhere. Interestingly, the water from the kitchen cold tap in a house is cleaner and safer than bottled water - according to a harm reduction leaflet for IV drug use in the UK, may be different in other countries, admittedly.
- Nadya 11y agoA bit of research showed me that the hot tap and kitchen (and bathroom?) taps are often drawn from the main, which is often an uncovered source in the attic which can collect dead bugs/rodents and such and that scenario is fairly common. I don't imagine many public restrooms draw from an uncovered main like they do in residencies, but I don't live in the U.K. so won't pretend to know such a detail. Furthermore I'm led to believe the cold tap would be fine, it's the hot tap you have to be wary of. >I don't think there have ever been any cases of people being made ill due to drinking water from the taps in a public bathroom anywhere. I can't help but imagine that is likely due to the fact very, very, very few people would drink water from the tap of a public bathroom and tracing it down to such a detail would likely prove to be difficult unless many people drank from that bathroom. E: To the person who downvoted, mind explaining why attempting to do research into U.K plumbing to educate myself on a difference between U.S plumbing and U.K plumbing is a downvote-worthy offense? I wouldn't think twice about drinking from a U.S public bathroom if I was thirsty. I'm being led to believe I shouldn't from a U.K bathroom due to plumbing differences between the U.S. and the U.K. If I have collected any misinformation you should instead correct me so that others do not receive wrong information. Thank you.
- bryans 11y agoUnfortunately, it's useless to attempt finding out why someone downvoted you. HN pretends to pride itself on civil discourse, but the reality is that, just like in life, the assholes run the show. It's a shame, because you are exactly right in your reasoning and research.