Squat toilet
A squat toilet is a
toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground.
Encyclopedia
A
squat toilet is a
toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground.
Types of squat toilets
- The Turkish toilet where the user puts his or her feet on foot rests; the user faces the entrance to the cubicle; it is prevalent in Turkey where flush toilets are now getting more in use for households and can still be found in some public buildings and at motorway services in France, Italy, Balkans and, more often, in the former USSR. In India such a toilet is widely used and is referred to as the Indian water closet or IWC in contrast with the European water closet or EWC or the Western style of toilet. It is also used in the Middle East and can be found in rural areas of Greece
Greece lies at the juncture of Europe [i], Asia [i], and Africa [i]. ...
and
Italy. It is also very common in
Iran and prevalent throughout most of
South East Asia.
- The Japanese toilet is shaped differently, and the user faces the flush apparatus.
- The Thai toilet is a form of squat toilet with a spiral-shaped bowl.
Squat toilets can be a shock to people used to sit-down toilets, and may be difficult to use for the unwary, especially if on
trains or
ships. Many Britons, having encountered the devices in
France and other countries, refer to them euphemistically as "stand and deliver" toilets, a reference to the phrase associated with
highwaymen.
Arguments in favor of squat toilets
Proponents of squat toilets argue that:
- They are less expensive and easier to clean and maintain
- They are less vulnerable to vandalism
- They induce rapid user turnover
- The splashing of water on the buttocks after a heavy defecation does not occur
- They do not involve any contact between the buttocks and a potentially unsanitary surface
- Squatting might help to build the required pressure more comfortably and quickly
- Squatting makes elimination faster, easier and more complete
- Squatting may reduce the occurrence or severity of hemorrhoids and possibly other colorectal
...
disorders
Criticism of squat toilets
A common argument against the squat toilet is that if
toilet paper is used where there is no flushing system installed, it is easy for the inexperienced user to clog the toilet. Those unfamiliar with the squat toilet should be sure to ask the location of the flushing bucket before attempting use. These buckets flush the toilets manually like a tank would.
Other criticisms include:
- Risk of falling due to a wet floor or poor balance
- Unsanitary condition of the floor due to diarrhea or inaccurate aim
- Potential for splattering of urine or feces on the legs and feet
- Potential for leg cramps, or discomfort for users having osteoarthritis
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