Australian researchers are hoping that a thin coating of titanium dioxide particles could help keep toilets clean.
This same technology is currently being used on several kinds of outdoor items, since it is activated by ultraviolet sunlight.
Light below a certain wavelength excites electrons, causing an oxidation effect that cleans continuously and disinfects more effectively than bleach. Techniques are being attempted to make indoor lighting, rather than sunlight, cause the necessary reaction.
This technique is already being used to coat windows so that they never need cleaning; it was only a matter of time before someone tested the substance on toilets.
Despite all the time and energy saved by such conveniences, I remain only cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits. This substance could turn out to be just one more form of pollution that could do more harm than good.
I am a major proponent of technology, and have previously run articles about nanotechnology. Without any doubt, this technology will change your life in the future, for better or worse.
But there could be major problems in the manufacturing process of nanotech products that could cause serious health complications in the employees who produce these products. I don't believe there will be any risk to using them.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a toilet that you didn't have to clean?