Public Toilet Controversy–To Sit or Not to Sit [VIDEO]

Let's face it, when you gotta go, you gotta go! However, when it comes to public restrooms, a lot of people will think twice before sitting on the porcelain throne where others have planted their cheeks. Why? There's concern that they'll pick up some sort of life threatening or maybe a lifelong disease. I have family members who say they layer the toilet seat of a public restroom with long strips of toilet paper before sitting down. I know others that will forego the public restroom experience and wait until they get home--sounds painful. But for me, I've traveled a lot and have visited countless restrooms and I've never been too concerned, nor have I ever caught anything. So the question remains, 'Are public restroom toilets safe?

For a complete explanation, and to dispel any myths surrounding the topic, let's hear it from an immunology and microbiology professional.