Fact check: Ist es besser, mit Toilettendeckel geschlossen zu Spülen, wenn Zahnbürsten im Raum sind?

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

Scientific evidence strongly supports closing the toilet lid while flushing, particularly when toothbrushes are present. Studies have demonstrated that flushing with the lid up creates a "toilet plume" that can spread droplets up to 106.5 centimeters high and contaminate surfaces for up to 90 minutes afterward. Research shows a 12-fold greater environmental contamination when the lid is left open during flushing.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

The original question lacks several important contextual elements:

• While the risk of bacterial spread is scientifically proven, there's no conclusive evidence of direct disease transmission from toilet plumes
• The studies don't mention that a two-step flushing process (initial flush with lid closed, then opening to clean with brush, followed by a second closed-lid flush) is recommended by hygiene experts
• The question focuses only on toothbrushes, but the risk extends to all bathroom items including towels and other personal care products
• The studies show bacteria can persist on surfaces for weeks or months, making regular bathroom cleaning as important as lid closure

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The question's framing suggests this is merely a preference ("better") rather than a scientifically-supported hygiene practice. This understates the significance of the issue. The question also creates a false limitation by focusing solely on scenarios where toothbrushes are present, when the practice is recommended regardless of toothbrush presence. Companies selling bathroom cleaning products and toilet lid mechanisms would benefit from promoting these hygiene concerns, though the scientific evidence appears to be independent of commercial interests.