Research & Planning

Problem Statement: In 2019, A New York State Dental Journal found that 70% of toothbrushes are contaminated with bacteria found in fecal matter due to the flushes of bathroom toilets. After flushing a toilet, small droplets and aerosol-containing bacteria can float up to 5 feet in the air and remain airborne for 20 seconds, which is enough to potentially land on a toothbrush, contaminating it, and increase the risk of illness. 

Who: New York State Dental Journal

What: contaminated toothbrush due to toilet flushes and poor storage 

When: 2019
Where: restrooms in America where toothbrush is stored

How: 70% of Americans experience prolonged or reoccurring sickness due to dirty toothbrushes