Doctor warns people to avoid using public toilet paper with mysterious marks, as it may indicate health risks.
Dr. Sermed Mezher recently warned about suspicious marks on public toilet paper, causing concern.
He shared this warning in a TikTok video. The warning has led to discussions about hygiene and safety in public restrooms.
People are now more cautious about using toilet paper in public places.
Public bathrooms are often viewed with some apprehension, and for good reason.
They can be dirty and poorly maintained, making many people hesitate before using them.
Dr. Mezher, a well-known doctor from London, has offered crucial advice to help individuals navigate these often unpleasant facilities.
His latest focus is on the potential dangers associated with toilet paper that appears to have been tampered with.
A doctor explained what marks on public toilet paper are
In a TikTok video, Dr. Mezher advised people to avoid using toilet paper that appears to have been tampered with.
He explained that suspicious marks on toilet paper could indicate that intravenous (IV) drug users have used it to clean their needles.
This practice poses serious health risks to users.
It also endangers anyone who might come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Doctor warns people to be cautious with mysterious marks on public toilet paper
In his video, Dr. Mezher urges people, saying, “Do not use it.”
He warned that the marks on the public toilet paper could be a sign that someone has tried to wipe their needle after injecting drugs.
The doctor raises concerns that this could lead to the spread of blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis if the needles are not properly sterilized.
Toilet paper, he points out, is not designed for sanitation and does not effectively kill viruses or bacteria.
“Needles that have been used for injecting drugs often contain blood, which may be infected with blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, ” the medic continued.
“Wiping the needle with toilet paper does not remove or kill these viruses.
“In fact, the blood and viruses can remain on the needle or transfer to surfaces like sinks, toilet seats, or dispensers,” he explained.
The misunderstood perspective of using sharing needles and toilet paper
The doctor further explains that sharing needles is a significant risk factor for various health issues, particularly when it comes to drug use.
He notes that IV drug users without sterile equipment may use unsafe practices.
They believe this might lower their infection risk.
However, this is a misconception, as wiping a needle with toilet paper does not adequately cleanse it.
Dr. Mezher clarifies that dried blood can still be risky.
Although disease transmission is less likely with dried blood, it remains possible.
He explains that viruses like HIV and hepatitis don’t last long on surfaces.
However, in dirty conditions, there is still a risk of indirect exposure, especially with fresh blood.
“The risk of transmission if something has dried up like this is significantly lower, but it’s still possible,” Dr Mezher said.
“While the viruses that cause HIV or hepatitis don’t survive long on surfaces, there is still a potential for indirect exposure, especially in unsanitary conditions if someone comes into contact with fresh blood,” the doctor added.
On social media, the reaction to Dr. Mezher’s video has been mixed.
Many viewers expressed gratitude for the information, but others admitted that the warning has made them more anxious about using public restrooms.
That is why so many public bathrooms have those large rolls with giant locked covers over them but still,
I guess unhappy workers who change out those rolls could be culprits for dirtying them like that!! One user said.
Public toilets in Dubai or Saudi Arabia for example don’t have those issues.
I always feel disgusted when I go back to the UK. I’d rather hold it in, the second user commented.
I’d never be able to tell the difference. I wipe until I see blood, the third user said.
I still don’t understand how people sit in public toilets.
Even when my stomach blows I go in a stall and stand over the bowl and let the fall in, another wrote.
I don’t use a public toilet, I rather hold it until I reach my home, someone wrote.