What really happens when you flush the toilet? In this episode, environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba reveals the science behind aerosolized germs, viral cross-contamination, and the surprising role toilet flushing plays in spreading pathogens like norovirus. Discover how air sanitizer sprays can reduce airborne and surface contamination and what that means for infection prevention. If you’ve ever used a public restroom, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Guest: Dr. Charles Gerba
Article: https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(25)00320-7/fulltext
Dr. Charles P. Gerba
Charles Gerba is a professor in the Departments Environmental Science, Biosystems Engineering (College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Environment), and Community and Environmental Health (College of Public Health) at the University of Arizona. He received a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Miami (Florida) and was a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine before accepting a position at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Gerba is the author of more than 700 articles including several books on environmental microbiology and risk assessment. He conducts research on the contamination and control of pathogens by food, water, and indoor environments. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and American Academy of Microbiology. In 2020 he received the Water Heroes Award from the Water Environment Federation for his work on SARS-CoV-2.