Squat toilet

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French "Squatter" 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.

1 Types of squat toilets
2 Arguments in favor of squat toilets
3 Criticism of squat toilets
4 Gallery
5 References

[edit] Types of squat toilets

The squat toilets (known as alaturka (alla turca) in Turkey, in contrast to alafranga (alla franca) flush toilets) 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 the Jodhpur Pan in contrast with the European water closet or EWC or the Western (or "Roman") style of toilet. It is also used in the Middle East and can be found in rural areas of Greece 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.

Squat toilets are not accessible to handicapped or disabled persons; to use squat toilets a person must have complete use and mobility of both their legs and arms, which would hinder many people with physical challenges.

[edit] Arguments in favor of squat toilets

A contemporary Japanese squat toilet including toilet slippers.

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 (no time lost due to people reading, resting, talking on mobile phones etc.)
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 ^[1] and possibly other colorectal disorders

[edit] 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:

Difficulty of use for the physically handicapped or inebriated.
Risk of falling due to a wet floor or poor balance
Unsanitary condition of the floor due to diarrhea or inaccurate aim when moving bowels.
Potential for splattering of urine or feces on the legs, feet or clothes
Potential for leg cramps, or discomfort for users having osteoarthritis
Potential for the development of foul odors as a result of incomplete flushing.
Feces can come in contact with the back of the scrotum, particularly if fecal matter is loose.
Using a squat toilet while wearing pantyhose is almost impossible so female users are advised to instead wear stockings.
Many countries where squat toilets are the norm are hot, so most people wear flip-flops, and the user's feet often become wet from the puddles of water and urine around the toilet.
If there is no bin in which to place used toilet paper, the user must walk to the nearest bin, often in a public place, train, or outdoors.