/oss/taxonomy/term/469/all en /oss/article/general-science/not-advertised-case-against-flushable-wipes <p>Are flushable wipes flushable? You may be retorting, “Is the sky blue?”, but there is reason to be skeptical. On-going<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=flushable+wipes&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA787CA787&sxsrf=ALeKk00MJ2RZv1VjkgZVwd5KeK8ICNnFcw:1592425163793&source=lnms&tbm=nws&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0l-CB1onqAhXFRDABHTaZAR4Q_AUoA3oECA4QBQ&biw=1273&bih=1127"> media coverage</a> tells us that so-called flushable wipes should not be disposed of down the toilet.</p> Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 8298 at /oss /oss/article/health/hand-dryers-or-paper-towel-question <p>How many times have you washed your hands in a public bathroom and searched in vain for a paper towel dispenser? Who wants to wait around while some electronic gizmo on the wall blows lukewarm air on your clammy hands. So you grab a piece of toilet paper in an effort to mimic the paper towel that should have been there. Not a great option given that later someone might just point to a piece of white globby paper plastered to your wrist. Why should the paper towel dispenser have been there? For the simple reason that paper is a better way to dry your hands than blowing air. Surprised?</p> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 23:16:44 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1999 at /oss /oss/article/science-science-everywhere/crisis-bathroom <p>The British Journal of Urology reports a rash of penis-crush injuries associated with a trend towards installing heavy wooden and ornamental toilet seats. The problem is that when toddlers are unable to lift the toilet seat completely, they let go and are not quick enough to pull a rather important piece of anatomy out of the way. The Journal article discusses four documented cases in which the injuries resulted in a buildup of fluid and tenderness in the injured organ.</p> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:50:05 +0000 Joe Schwarcz 1652 at /oss