Identification

• The germs that can potentially take up residence on a toilet seat include streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli, shigella, hepatitis A, the common cold virus and certain sexually transmitted organisms, according to Webmd.com: What Can You Catch in Restrooms?
  
  

Function

• Most of the viruses and bacteria on toilet seats die relatively quickly. The danger lies with individuals who do not wash their hands after using the facilities, especially if their hands come in contact with the toilet seat's surface.
  
  

Considerations

• Bacteria inside the toilet pose a greater risk than those on the toilet seat. These germs can be propelled into the air after someone flushes a toilet. A person is most vulnerable to germ exposure as the water leaves the bowl.
  
  

Fun Fact

• In a 2005 ABC News interview on the show "20/20," microbiologist and author, Dr. Charles Gerba, conducted a germ test on various surfaces in a ladies restroom. The results showed that the toilet seat had fewer germs than any other surface, and even fit the definition of a "sanitary surface," meaning the surface was clean enough to eat on.
  
  

Warning

• People who have open sores or cuts may run a slight risk of getting an infection from a contaminated toilet seat. These people should probably use paper seat covers, but they must keep them dry. Bacteria can seep up through a wet one.