It’s never fun to talk about problems that stem from your toilet. A new study has just come out about flushing the toilet that may be the most disgusting yet important thing that you read all day!

Experts are speaking out to warn the public to close the lid of the toilet before you flush. They say that if you do not do this, a lot of harmful bacteria will spray all over your bathroom.

The American Journal of Infection Control published a study stating that flushing your toilet with the lid open will pose several potential risks. This act is referred to as “toilet plume aerosols,” and if your toilet contains feces or vomit, the flush can cause infectious aerosols that will live in your bathroom for hours.

Vomit and feces can contain pathogen concentrations such as Shigella, Salmonella, and even norovirus, and these can live in your bathroom for months.

“Research suggests that this toilet plume could play an important role in the transmission of infectious diseases for which the pathogen is shed in feces or vomit,” the study says. “The possible role of toilet plume in airborne transmission of norovirus, SARS and pandemic influenza is of particular interest.”

This is yet another reason why it’s important to keep your bathroom clean, as bacteria can easily contaminate toilet seats, lids, surrounding floors or any nearby surfaces. It’s crucial that you close the lid of your toilet before you flush, especially if your toothbrush is nearby!

Remember this study the next time it comes time to flush your toilet!