A squat toilet (or squatting toilet) is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. This means that the posture for defecation and urination is to place one foot on each side of the toilet drain or hole and to squat over it. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a toilet pan or bowl at floor level. Such a toilet pan is also called a "squatting pan". A squat toilet may use a water seal and therefore be a flush toilet, or it can be without a water seal and therefore be a dry toilet. The term "squat" refers only to the expected defecation posture and not any other aspects of toilet technology, such as whether it is water flushed or not.
Squat toilets are used all over the world, but are particularly common in some Asian and African nations, as well as in some Muslim countries. In many of those countries, anal cleansing with water is also the cultural norm and easier to perform than with toilets used in a sitting position. They are also occasionally found in some European and South American countries.
Squat toilets are regarded as traditional by many. In 1976, squatting toilets were said to be used by the majority of the world's population.<ref name="kira">Kira A. The Bathroom. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1976, revised edition, pp.115,116.</ref> However, there is a general trend in many countries to move from squatting toilets to sitting toilets (particularly in urban areas), as the latter are often regarded as more modern.<ref name="Milo"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DesignEdit
Squat toilets are arranged at floor level, which requires the individual to squat with bent knees.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In contrast to a pedestal or a sitting toilet, the opening of the drain pipe is located at the ground level.
Squatting slabs can be made of porcelain (ceramic), stainless steel, fibreglass, or in the case of low-cost versions in developing countries, with concrete, ferrocement, plastic, or wood covered with linoleum.<ref name=":0">Tilley, E.; Ulrich, L.; Lüthi, C.; Reymond, Ph.; Zurbrügg, C. (2014): Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies - (2nd Revised Edition). [1] Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Duebendorf, Switzerland: 44. Template:ISBN. Retrieved 31. August 2015</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref> Slabs can also be made of wood (timber), but need to be treated with preservatives, such as paint or linoleum, to prevent rotting and to enable thorough cleaning of the squatting slab.<ref name=":1" />
There are two design variations: one where the toilet is level with the ground, and the other where it is raised on a platform approximately 30 cm (1 ft).<ref name="japanguide" /> The latter is easier to use for people who urinate while standing, but both types can be used for this purpose. There is also no difference for defecation or squatting urination.
UseEdit
The user stands over the squat toilet facing the hood and pulls down (up in the case of skirts or dress) their trousers and underwear to the knees. The user then squats over the hole, as close to the front as possible, as excrement tends to fall onto the rear edge of the in-floor receptacle if the user squats too far back.<ref name="japanguide">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Health, hygiene and maintenanceEdit
The standing surface of the squatting pan should be kept clean and dry in order to prevent disease transmission and to limit odors.<ref name=":0"/>
Squat toilets are usually easier to clean than sitting toilets (pedestals), except that one has to bend down further if the squatting pan needs manual scrubbing. Squat toilets are properly cleaned using a mop in combination with a detergent solution.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Health effectsEdit
The squatting defecation posture is more physiological, ideal, and relaxed.<ref name="Ghoshal2018" /> This is because it allows for better relaxation of the puborectalis muscle and hence straightening of the anorectal angle, and for faster, easier, and more complete evacuation of stool.<ref name="Steele2021">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Krishnan2019">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Ghoshal2018" /> The squatting position therefore prevents excessive straining, and hence protects against stretching of the nerves, such as the pudendal nerve.<ref name="Krishnan2019" /><ref name="Ghoshal2018">Template:Cite journal</ref> Damage to these nerves can lead to permanent problems with urinary, defecation, and sexual functions. The squatting position also increases intra-abdominal pressure.<ref name="Steele2021" /> The squatting position is often recommended as part of a range of measures to manage constipation and its sub-types, including obstructed defecation syndrome, and dyssynergic defecation. Chronic, excessive straining during defecation, which is more likely to be needed in the sitting position, may be associated with the development of inflamed hemorrhoids, or any of the spectrum of pelvic organ prolapse disorders, such as rectocele, and rectal prolapse.
It also aids in emptying the urinary bladder entirely as the gravity reduces the stress on the pelvic floor muscles which is a natural posture for urinating from centuries before the toilet concepts were introduced. This prevents various complications like UTI.Template:Medical citation needed
However, according to some sources, excessive straining in the squatting position while defecating may increase the risk of severe hemorrhoids, or increase the tendency of prolapse of hemorrhoids, because of increased perineal descent and intra-abdominal pressure.<ref name="Clark2018">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Bland2009">Template:Cite book</ref> Prolonged and repeated straining on a sitting toilet has the same effect.<ref name="Bland2009" />
Society and cultureEdit
Perceptions and trendsEdit
There are two different attitudes towards squat toilets, largely dependent on what users are used to, or whether the toilet is at a public or private place: Some people regard squat toilets as more hygienic compared to sitting toilets. They might be easier to clean and there is no skin contact with the surface of the toilet seat.<ref name="Milo"/> For that reason, some people perceive them as more hygienic, particularly for public toilets.
Some people regard sitting toilets as "more modern" than squat toilets.<ref name="Milo" /> Sitting toilets have a lower risk of soiling clothing or shoes, as urine is less likely to splash on bottom parts of trousers or shoes. Furthermore, sitting toilets are more convenient for people with disabilities and the elderly.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
A trend towards more sitting toilets in countries that were traditionally using squat toilets can be observed in some urban and more affluent areas, in areas with new buildings (as well as hotels and airports) or in tourist regions.<ref name="Milo" />
Public toiletsEdit
Squat toilets are used in public toilets, rather than household toilets, because they are perceived by some as easier to clean and more hygienic, therefore potentially more appropriate for general public use.<ref name="Milo">von Münch, E.; Milosevic, D. (2015): Qualitative survey on squatting toilets and anal cleansing with water with a special emphasis on Muslim and Buddhist countries by using the SuSanA discussion forum. Ostella Consulting, Schwalbach, Germany</ref><ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> For instance, this is the case in parts of France, Italy, Greece, or the Balkans, where such toilets are somewhat common in public toilets (restrooms).<ref name=":4" />
Preferences by country or regionEdit
The following general statements can be made:
- Squat toilets are common in many Asian countries, including China and India.<ref>Lechner, Norbert (2012): Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics - Sustainable Design Methods for Architecture. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey.</ref><ref name="koreascience.or.kr">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> They are also widespread in Turkey ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), Nepal, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iran, and Iraq. They can be found in nations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore.<ref name="japanguide" /><ref name="koreascience.or.kr"/>
- People in sub-Saharan African countries, especially in rural areas, widely use squat toilets, for example in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.<ref name="Milo" /> Squat toilets are not common in South Africa.
- Much of the world's population use squat toilets, especially in rural areas of developing countries.
- Countries in the Middle East and North Africa often have both types of toilets, i.e. sitting and squatting.
- In Hindu or Muslim cultures, the prevalence of squat toilets is generally quite high, as is the practice of anal cleansing with water.<ref name="Milo" />
- In Latin and South America, flush toilets are always of the sitting type, whereas dry toilets may be either of the sitting or a squatting type. The occurrence of squat toilets in urban areas of Latin America appears to be rather low.Template:Citation needed
- Squat toilets are rare in Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, and countries in Northern and Western Europe (except public toilets in France).<ref name="Milo" /> Where they do exist, they have usually been installed to accommodate visitors, tourists, students, or recent migrants from places that use squatting toilets traditionally.
EuropeEdit
In Southern and Eastern Europe including parts of France, in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Albania, Balkans, and Russia they are common, especially in public toilets.<ref name=":4" /> Squat pit latrine toilets are still present in many areas of Russia.
Squat toilets are generally non-existent in Northern and Western Europe.<ref name="Milo" /> France and Italy are an exception and have some squat toilets remaining in old buildings and public toilets because they used to be the norm there in the early 20th century.<ref name="Olga">Gershenson, Olga; Penner, Barbara (2009): Ladies and gents - Public toilets and gender. Temple University Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</ref> In BMW Welt in Munich, the public restrooms have some stalls with squat toilets. There are also a few squat toilets at Stuttgart Airport.
ChinaEdit
Many areas in China have traditional squat toilets instead of sitting toilets, especially in public toilets.<ref name="Tobin">Tobin, Joseph; Hsueh, Yeh; Karasawa, Mayumi (2009): Preschool in Three Cultures Revisited: China, Japan, and the United States. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois.</ref> Nevertheless, sitting toilets have increasingly become the norm in major urban areas and cities.<ref name="Tobin" /> Sitting toilets are on the one hand associated with development and modernization, and on the other hand with reduced hygiene and possible transmission of diseases.<ref name="Tobin" />
JapanEdit
Template:Further Although in Japan it is believed that the squat toilet is traditional, the trend in Japan is to move away from squat toilets: According to Toto, one of Japan's major toilet manufacturers, the production of Western-style toilets increased rapidly since 1976.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2015, only 1% of all toilets produced by this company were squat toilets.<ref name=":3" />
Since the 1960s, the trend has been to replace squat toilets at schools and public places with sitting toilets.<ref name=":3" /> This trend was thought to accelerate in the run-up to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.<ref name=":3" />
Since the 1980s, high-tech sitting toilets are emerging that replace traditional squat toilets, especially in urban areas. However, many rural people have no experience with such high-tech toilets and need detailed instructions.<ref>Cavusgil, S. Tamer; Rammal, Hussain; Freeman, Susan (2012): International Business: The New Realities. Pearson, Australia</ref> High-tech sitting toilets have also become commonplace in South Korea.
GalleryEdit
- Typical toilet in urban Syria- flush toilet squatting pan (3232388550).jpg
Typical toilet in urban Syria: Flush toilet squatting pan with hose on the left for anal cleansing.
- Squat toilet.JPG
Squat toilet in Tsarskoye Selo, Russia
- CRH1 toilet.jpg
Squat toilet in a CRH1A trainset on the Guangshen Line in China
- Ginga train japanese style toilet.jpg
Squat toilet aboard a Japanese Ginga train
- Public toilet in Japan.jpg
Public toilet at Jozankei Hot Springs, Hokkaido, Japan
- Toilet of Indonesia 200507.jpg
Squat toilet in Indonesia
- BangBon Bangkok 28.10.2017 (1).jpg
Squat toilet in Bangkok
- Seat for people with disabilities to use a pit latrine squatting pan (Pakistan) (5600799213).jpg
Squat toilet with seat for old people or for people with disabilities
- Hybrid squat toilet (207097770).jpg
Hybrid toilet that can be used in squat mode
- 2014 Picunda, Ubikacja kucana.jpg
Squat toilet in Pitsunda, Abkhazia, Georgia.
- Hocktoilette am Bahnhof in Varenna - 1.jpg
Squat toilet at a train station in Italy
- Vp squattoilet.jpg
Metal-made squat toilet in Hong Kong
- JapaneseSquatToilet.jpg
Japanese squat toilet