Constructing a toilet standard system for the toilet revolution in China

Access to adequate and secure sanitation to prevent and reduce disease occurrence and improve people's health has been a longstanding global concern. Toilet standardization is immensely important for the promotion of sanitation in China. At present, China has more than 200 toilet-related standards, including national, industrial, provincial, association, and enterprise standards. In addition, there are many existing problems with the standard system, such as standards lagging, standards deficiency, and cross-repetition of standards content. This study analyzed the toilet standards utilizing a six-dimensional structure of the standardized system engineering methodology. A framework for the toilet standard system, which consists of six components, is proposed: basic general standard, public toilet standard, household toilet standard, toilet hardware standard, environmental health and safety standard, and toilet accessory standard and standard toilet peripherals. Additionally, the study suggests approaches for improving standardization including cultivating and developing association and enterprise standards, establishing a standardization technical committee, strengthening standard publicizing and implementation, and linkages with international standards. HIGHLIGHTS A six-level framework of the toilet standard system in China is presented and elaborated.; Problems and potential barriers for toilet standardization in China are analyzed.; We suggest establishing a technical standardization committee, standardization organization coordination mechanism, etc. to promote toilet standardization.; This study provides insights that will guide the formation of effective policies and strategies to enhance sanitation in China.;