Study of the low moving efficiency of bioaerosol with insufficient air inflow and exhaust in the public toilets

Abstract

Due to insufficient ventilation, public toilets have become incubators for cross-infection during the pandemic. WHO has proposed an approach to improve indoor ventilation, including ventilation in isolated spaces like toilets, by applying the 10L/s/person criteria, and keeping fans running for effective ventilation. However, less air inflow in many public toilets causes the insufficient ventilation. We have ever found many colony forming units (CFUs) staying surrounding floor and junctures, and the inside of a lid-less trash can in the toilet. If the minimal exhaust air is not equal to inlet air, the bioaerosol will stay in the toilets. Therefore, the speed of air inflow is suggested to be somewhat higher and reach 0.5m/s or more to facilitate ventilation in public toilets and reduce the risk of cross-infection.