One of the most important personal necessities that many Ugandans must live without is toilets. This everyday need that most of us take for granted is something that 3.2 million Ugandans do not have access to, according to a recent report from World Bank. A staggering six hundred and fifty thousand additional toilets would be needed to make sure that everyone in the country could perform basic bodily needs in convenience with privacy.

The report goes on to state that almost 14 million Ugandans do not have access to a toilet in their home and are forced to share toilets, adding to the already unsanitary conditions that plague the country. But unhealthy conditions are not the only side effect of this predicament.

The country is also losing money. Just over 1% of its GDP, equivalent to $177 million dollars US, is lost annually due to the sanitation epidemic. The truly maddening part is that the money lost in three years could pay for an overhaul to the country’s infrastructure, insuring healthy conditions for everyone. When facing a lack of bathrooms, the only option for some Ugandans is to go out into open country to relieve themselves. The World Bank Water and Sanitation Program report claim of $177 million is hard to believe until you read the breakdown for yourself:

• $8.1 million US spent each year in lost productivity while Ugandans search for suitable areas for open defecation
• $147 million US lost each year to premature deaths due to unsanitary conditions
• $1.1 million US lost each year while Ugandans miss work and school while seeking medical assistance
• $21 million US spent by the government each year on healthcare

As if that wasn’t enough, another $41 million US is spent each year cleaning up open defecation sites.

Unclean water goes hand in hand with the sanitation issues in the country. Open defecation leads to unclean water which leads to malnutrition, which costs the country even more money.

The money spent on correcting the country’s toilet issues, while excessive, could be considered an investment. The cost savings reclaimed from lost productivity, spared from healthcare and funeral expenses, and gained via new tourism possibilities would far outweigh any costs on the front end.

Every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies from a disease caused by poor sanitation. That equates to 1.5 million preventable deaths every year. The safe and effective disposal of human waste is key to disease prevention. However, more than one third of the world’s population, an estimated 2.6 billion people, lack access to any or adequate sanitation. This causes the continued spread of disease and increased mortality rates. This can be evidenced by the continuing cholera epidemic in Haiti, which, since the January, 2010 earthquake has spread through every Haiti state, killing more than 7,000 Haitians and sickening more than half a million. This virulent disease has become the world’s largest known cholera epidemic, and the initial outbreak is thought to have been caused by sanitation pipes that were fractured during the earthquake. While some $230 million has been used in combating this outbreak, the displaced population still remains vulnerable to infection, and the United Nations estimates that it will need at least $53.9 million just to cope through the upcoming rainy season.

Human waste contains dangerous bacteria that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, cholera, polio, infectious hepatitis, ascariasis and cryptosporidiosis. When human waste is not disposed of in a sanitary manner, these bacteria can easily be transferred to humans and animals. Commonly, bacteria can enter drinking water supplies, come into contact with the skin and be transferred by insects. This can cause diseases of epidemic proportions. The most common illness associated with poor sanitation is diarrhoea. In developed countries this illness is very treatable and people generally recover from the effects easily. In the developing world diarrhoea is the second largest killer among frail and vulnerable people that are ill-equipped to fight disease, due to commonly existing conditions, including compromised immune systems, malnutrition and dehydration.

Clearly, disease prevention is more desirable than cure, and for the two-thirds of the world that take toilet systems for granted, the answer is simply to provide toilets and sewage treatment systems. However, this is a luxury that many regions of the world can only dream of, due to the lack of suitable sewage treatment infrastructures and, even, water. Septic systems and recycling sewage into potable drinking water are just two viable options to address this issue. In August, 2010, as part of its Grand Challenges Initiative, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which encourages technological and scientific innovations that solve critical health problems in the developing world, launched a request for proposals to “generate original and innovative ideas for technologies to support sustainable sanitation services for the excreta of billions of people who are not served by centralised, waterborne sanitation.”

The organisation hopes that this, together with health education will provide a very real and implementable solution that will save lives. It will certainly go a long way to improving the paltry amount currently spent on the research and development of solutions to this preventable problem. A report by the George Institute for Global Health states that of the money spent on preventing diseases that disproportionately affect the developing world, AIDS prevention accounts for 39 percent, malaria accounts for 18 percent and tuberculosis accounts for 15 percent. Diseases caused by poor sanitation account for just five percent of spending, although they have the highest rates of mortality.

The state of public toilets in many of America’s cities is abysmally bad. Common complaints are that the toilets smell, are dirty, and attract drug users who leave needles or vandalize the toilet building.

In an attempt to solve the cleanliness problem, the city of Seattle famously spent $5 million on self-cleaning toilets, but was forced to sell them only a few years after their installation because they had become a hotspot for drug users, as well as a meeting place for prostitutes and their clients.

However, there is one thing worse than a city with dirty toilets, or toilets that attract antisocial behavior, and that is a city with no toilets at all. According to a spokeswoman from the Portland advocacy group Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human (PHLUSH), the significant proportion of the population who struggle with bathroom issues find it difficult to retain a decent quality of life when there are no public toilets available for them to use.

Fortunately, the city of Portland has found a solution. By using a solar-powered toilet that costs only $60,000 to produce, Portland has hit upon an inexpensive and effective way to provide facilities for its residents and visitors.

The Portland Loo, as it is known, differs from other toilets in two very important ways. Firstly, the solar panel on the cubicle roof ensures a steady supply of electricity to light and power the toilet, keeping running costs low. Secondly, the toilets are designed to withstand attempts at vandalism. The cubicle has graffiti-resistant surfaces. There is no porcelain basin, which might become cracked or broken, only a small faucet attached to the outside of the cubicle. Similarly, the metal toilet bowl would also be extremely difficult to break. A cleaner comes twice a day to check on the state of the toilets.

The first of these solar-powered toilets installed in Portland, in 2008, is still in one piece, which is a testimony to the strength of the design. The city is now looking to export this ingenious invention to other American cities, including San Diego, Anchorage, and British Columbia, the latter of which has already purchased one of the toilets to try it out.

“£420,000 re-construction of the city’s public toilets will draw international attention.” That is a view of a city council chief.

The cash spent will advance city council’s 24 toilets along with long held back renovation of Gloucester Green conveniences in the coming three years.

But as per Council’s John Tanner, bus station visitors may have to pay up to 50p for this facility.

He stated that, “People already have the option of using metal aluminum western commodes, but we just want to make them more attractive. We’d like to have people coming to Oxford to use the toilets. Plans include improving the standard at Gloucester Green as it is an international toilet. People come here from all over the world and toilets look depressing and mournful. As per the council budget being agreed tonight, the cash will be spent in coming financial year from April.”

Labor-run council broke its promise on a £300,000 agreement in October, 2010 as it ran out of cash. But as per Mr. Tanner, “funds were put in place for safe keeping and now there are enough in excess to serve the cause. Charges may be 40p to 50p to assure the express quality, but decision whether to charge or not is ’50/50′.” He added that “we’re not much concerned whether it’ll work or not but more in people’s thoughts.”

“China bowls are an option, but due to the fear that these may be ravaged; the remodel has not been decided.” City council’s toilets have been causing troubles in last few years [Oxford Mail].

Due to health and safety fears in 2008, bosses shut off toilets in St Giles between Woodstock and Banbury Road. “It was opened in 1895, but as per council, people were at risk of being run over while moving across the dual carriageway.”

Next year, after council’s proposal of closing 11 loos in order to save £50,000 a year, there was an uproar which finally resulted in closure of two.

“Business leaders raised question, if more shops will become involved in offering nine more loos to shoppers.”

Deputy Liberal Democrat group leader Mark Mills claims reward for backing up the Gloucester Green plan and as per him, his party compelled Oxford Labor’s abandonment of proposal of closing a large number of toilets.

Last year’s council savings introduction made a boost in parking fees and garden waste collection charges.

When Leeds researchers, led by Professor Mark Wilcox, carried out an experiment on the relationship between toilet lids and the spread of disease, they found alarming results. Using a restroom stall that had been thoroughly sterilized beforehand, the researchers placed infected stool samples in the toilet bowl, recreating an environment similar to those that occur in many public restrooms. When the researchers flushed the toilet with the lid open, Professor Wilcox was able to determine that the contagious bacteria had been spread as high as 10 inches above the surface of the toilet seat. In addition, the researchers could still find traces of the bacteria in the air an hour and a half after the original flush. In contrast to these figures, the researchers found that flushing the infected stool sample with the toilet lid closed resulted in a much lower spread of contagious bacteria.

The results of the research suggest that patients who have contracted especially contagious superbugs, such as C. difficile, or noroviruses, should be especially careful when using public restrooms. Many hospitals feature lid-less toilets in an effort to prevent the spread of disease, but the Leeds research suggests that closing lids are a more effective measure. Professor Wilcox and his colleagues suggest that hospitals shoulder consider installing separate restrooms for patients with especially contagious disease that spread through human waste or bodily fluids. Whenever a public toilet does feature a lid, people should take care to close the lid before flushing, in addition to standard disease prevention tips such as hand-washing. Although the findings might not suggest a significant health hazard, better hygiene when using public restrooms can help reduce the spread of contagious bacteria.

You also have to be a contortionist, apparently, to use some of the West End toilets. They are incredibly small (and hard to find), and can actually leave an average-sized woman with injuries. They can be compared to the size of cages that veal are kept in. It seems like the ideal female patron of West End Theatre should be very small with a very pleated bladder!

These ratios are simply not fair – women make up the majority of audiences in many theatres (according to a study by the Society of London Theatre concluded that ladies make up 68% of the audience!) therefore, they certainly shouldn’t have to wait in unspeakably long lines for the loo.

The requirements are laid down in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Toilet and Washing Facilities

Under the regulations employers have to provide adequate toilet and washing facilities for their employees.

“Adequate” means meeting these requirements:-

• The right number of toilets and washbasins for the number of people who would be expected to use them. (Employees would not be expected to spend a long time queuing to use the loo);
• Separate facilities should be provided if practicable for men and women – if that’s not possible, rooms should have lockable doors;
• Facilities should be clean and walls should, therefore, be tiled or covered in waterproof materials to allow easier cleaning;
• Toilet paper should be supplied together with santiary disposal facilities in women’s facilities;
• Satisfactory lighting and ventilation;
• Hot and cold running water;
• Sufficient soap and other cleaning agents.
• Basins large enough to allow washing of hands and forearms;
• Drying facilities such as paper towers or a warm air dryer;
• Showers, if necessary, particularly where employees have to carry out dirty work;
• Disabled needs must also be considered.

Minimum Numbers of Facilities You Need to Provide

Easy Guide to Welfare at Work

In remote locations where it is not possible to provide plumbed-in facilities, employers may have to provide chemical toilets and washing containers.  On temporary worksites, such as construction sites, if it is reasonably practicable, flushing toilets and running water must be provided.  Suitable facilities are usually available from good mobile toilet hire companies.  Where this is not possible, chemical toilets and water containers may be substituted.  Public toilets and washing facilities should only be considered as a last resort, rather than as a cheap option and would only be considered acceptable where better provision was out of the question.

Drinking Water

The law requires employers to provide clean and safe drinking water, preferably from a public supply.  Bottled water can be dispensed as a secondary supply.  Drinking water must be easily accessible by all employees and adequate having regard to the temperature of the working environment and the nature of the work undertaken.  Cups or a drinking fountain must be provided.  Drinking water only needs to be identified in situations where there is a significant risk of employees consuming non-drinking water.

Smoking

There is no need to provide a specific smoking room.  It is illegal to smoke in almost all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.  This includes work vehicles.

Meals

Employers need to provide a suitable seating area for meal breaks.  It should be clean, hygienic and situated where food cannot be contaminated.  The means to heat food and water for hot drinks and washing facilities should be located nearby.

Changing Facilities

If employees are required to change into work-related clothing, adequate changing facilities should be provided for the numbers needing to use them.

Changing rooms should:-

• Be easily accessible;
• Contain or lead directly to clothing storage and washing facilities;
• Contain seating;
• Have clothes hanging facilities;
• Allow privacy;
• Be separate for men and women;
• Prevent, where possible, employees personal clothing from coming into contact or be contaminated by soiled or wet work clothing;
• Provide separate storage facilities for clean and dirty clothing, be well-ventilated and allow hanging up of wet clothing to dry during the working day.

Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers

Facilities should be provided where reasonably practicable.  This could entail provision of a room for pregnant women or nursing mothers to lay down.

Conclusion

All the above facilities should be kept in clean and good condition and adequate supplies maintained.  Effective systems need to be implemented to ensure this.

The fantasy inventions produced by this fusion of anachronistic technology with futuristic innovations has prompted some to transform some of these ideas into real gadgets, including computers, telephones, watches and even toilets.

This video demonstrates what is described as a Post Steampunk Antique Toilet of the Future.
Steampunk Toilet

It features a hand-made solid oak tank with a battery-powered flush pump. Precision aiming at night is facilitated by a laser dot in the bowl. The toilet also features lights, antique gauges, flush capacitor, and a cup holder.

The Steampunk Toilet is the brainchild of inventor Patrick Brawley, who is also the proud creator of a “Teslapunk” ghost phone, a confession machine, some punk lamps and punk wooden calculators.

The Toto Apricot toilet seat has a built-in SD slot and MP3 player. It also has pre-programmed music you can choose to listen to. You can set up a playlist to start playing your chosen music as you approach.

The Toto Washlet feature is also enabled which means that the toilet seat also works like a bidet, where a stream of hot water is sent out and you can choose whether you want the jet to oscillate or pulsate.

Other features include a reading light and an automatic ambient light for at night that knows when you are approaching. There is also an automatic fragrance emitter to freshen the air.

A wall-mounted control unit is designed to be placed next to the toilet so that you can control all the features from the comfort of the toilet seat.

Features include a motion activated toilet lid and seat which opens when you enter the room, a foot warmer where warm air heats the floor surface by your feet, a heated toilet seat, a deodorizer and a built in self-cleaning bidet which can be adjusted according to your preference for water pressure and temperature.

For extra convenience there is an integrated air dryer and illuminated lighting panels are situated on the back for added ambience. Built-in speakers allow you to listen to the radio, pre-programmed audio or even your own music using a remote docking station. Everything from the bowl light, to the music volume, to the type of flush can be controlled by a touch screen remote, and your preferences can be saved for your next visit!