7 ways toilets have killed people
Toilets can pose unexpected dangers, leading to various incidents and even fatalities. Historical examples include the assassination of Duke Godfrey and the Erfurt Latrine Disaster, where many nobles drowned. Modern statistics indicate that thousands of injuries occur annually due to toilet-related accidents, highlighting the need for safety measures.
- ▪In the U.S., about 40,000 injuries per year are related to toilets.
- ▪Historically, pit toilets have caused deaths, particularly in rural areas.
- ▪The Erfurt Latrine Disaster in 1184 resulted in nearly 60 deaths when a floor collapsed into a cesspit.
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Health Diseases Heart Disease 7 ways toilets have killed people From a WWII submarine sewage disaster to a deadly medieval pit toilet collapse, doing your business can come with risks. By Andrew Coletti Published May 21, 2026 9:03 AM EDT Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. Toilets can be surprisingly dangerous. Image: Joshua Lott / Stringer / Getty Images Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
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