Should you hover or cover? Science explains the surprising truth about toilet seats

There are actually household items a lot dirtier than your toilet ...

Published June 18, 2014 1:50PM (EDT)

 Toilet seat  (Shutterstock/Dundanim)
Toilet seat (Shutterstock/Dundanim)

It is time for a bit of toilet talk -- toilet safety talk.

Many of us have probably encountered a fair share of questionable restrooms. And with that comes a choice: Do I hold it and find a cleaner alternative? Squat? Coat the toilet seat in toilet paper or those handy seat covers? Or just say to heck with it and sit? (Sometimes you just have to go!)

This all boils down to, will I catch a disease from a toilet seat?

Well, the folks at AsapSCIENCE have an answer that might surprise you. Watch below:


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Asapscience Bacteria Disease Fecal Matter Health Science Toilets Video