Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) is a monthly journal of peer-reviewed research and news on the impact of the environment on human health. EHP is published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and its content is free online. Print issues are available by paid subscription.DISCLAIMER
I enjoyed Charles Schmidt's original and informative article on the "Yuck Factor" (Schmidt 2008). This phenomenon has come into play in my attempts to decide on whether to purchase a low-flow toilet for my home. My city is currently offering rebates on low-flow toilets, but only on the least consumptive models (1.6 gallons per flush). I have read on web sites and heard from friends that these models do not quite do the job. The details are important to me. If it is a question of not flushing gobs of toilet paper down, I can deal with that. But if these toilets leave stains on (or product in) the bowl, my family will not be happy. My discussions with city officials and friends who have installed these toilets invariably break down when I press for details. The "Yuck Factor" reigns supreme. The end result may be that I do not purchase a low-flow toilet.
John Manuel
Freelance Writer
Durham, North Carolina
E-mail: john.manuel@gte.net
References
Schmidt CW. 2008. The yuck factor: when disgust meets discovery. Environ Health Perspect 116:A524–A527.