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At first glance, that curious gap at the front of women’s toilet seats in U.S. public restrooms might seem like a design mistake or a cost-cutting hack.
Travelers and newcomers often wonder: why can’t Americans just use a regular, closed toilet seat? But behind this seemingly odd feature lies a fascinating intersection of law, hygiene, and science — and once you uncover the real story, you might never view public restrooms the same way again.
The U-Shaped Seat: More Than Meets the Eye
If you’ve ever stepped into a public restroom in America, you’ve likely noticed it — toilet seats that don’t close the loop but instead sport a distinctive U-shaped opening at the front. What once seemed like an odd American quirk has started to appear abroad, showing up in places like French airports, cafés, and train stations.
While it might seem like the gap exists for comfort, convenience, or to save money, the truth is far more deliberate: this design is mandated by plumbing codes and rooted in hygiene concerns.
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