Using public restrooms often sparks disgust when imagining previous users and lurking bacteria. Many of us meticulously line the seat with toilet paper—only for it to slip into the bowl anyway.
Yet, experts assure us these seats aren't as hazardous as we fear. Sitting directly on them poses minimal infection risk. "Bacteria in the toilet have a hard time getting in through your skin," explains immunologist William DePaolo in a BuzzFeed video.
Your skin serves as a robust natural barrier. The greater danger? Skipping handwashing afterward and then touching sensitive areas. Bacteria thrive in moist spots like mucous membranes, which don't contact the seat when seated.
Surprisingly, a toilet paper roll harbors more bacteria than the seat itself. Kitchen sponges can contain up to 200,000 times more. Even household items and computer keyboards—clean ones!—teem with millions.
This knowledge won't stop the paper-lining habit, but it can ease our minds. Watch the English video here.
