Coronavirus May Spread Through Drain Pipes

Dec, 2020 - By SMI

The researchers examined an abandoned apartment in Guangzhou, China, and suggest that the virus can spread through aerosols.

As the global pandemic evolves, more information emerges on how the novel coronavirus spreads in the community. The researchers worldwide are prioritizing research into disease pathologies that allow them to better understand how to combat it. According to previous research, the virus may spread through small drops (aerosols) ejected from an infected person's mouth and nose. One can be exposed to either the droplets being in the immediate radius or later touching a surface with virus particles on it. Now, according to new research, the novel coronavirus may spread through drain pipes in bathrooms.

The research was published in the Environmental International journal. During this research, the researchers examined an abandoned apartment in Guangzhou, China, and suggest that the virus can spread through aerosols. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus may spread through the air (airborne transmission) during the medical procedures. Moreover, recent evidence showed that poor ventilation may contribute to the airborne spread of the virus. The researchers conducted an on-site experiment to evaluate whether the virus could spread through small airborne particles produced by the force of a toilet flush.

The team examined a bathroom located on the 16th floor where surface samples of the coronavirus were found in February 2020. According to the researchers, the airborne transmission is possible through drainage pipes. Moreover, the team found aerosols in the bathrooms located on the 25th and the 27th floor of the building. The presence of aerosols in the neighboring environment is likely to infect more individuals. Moreover, effective and efficient ventilation is necessary to curb the airborne transmission of the virus. The particles travel faster and further, so proper hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, physical distancing, and wearing face masks are still the best ways to curb the spread of the virus.