The pitfalls of squat toilets, major and minor
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I refer to the This Week in Asia
article , 'As Asia modernises, squat toilets are being dethroned' (July 25).
Although there are credible advantages to how the squat toilet reduces skin contact with the toilet and therefore contamination of the thighs and buttocks, the stamina that is required to maintain a squatting position for the duration of the act is a challenge for many. Besides, there remains the risk of backsplash.
For this user, the peril of accidentally falling backwards and getting stuck in the hole in the floor also prevents one from having a comfortable experience when there are no sit-down units.
Squatting on a daily basis improves venous circulation in the lower limbs, yet the emergency doctor in me fears for the elderly user with hip and pelvic floor weakness, for whom the latrine pit could be a real menace.
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Recently, during a rainforest trek in Borneo's Sarawak, I fell into one such hole dug in the ground. Unwitnessed and alone, I briskly righted myself to stand.
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