Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Mumbai Public Toilets Face Deadly Risks From Toxic Fumes
Two people died after breathing dangerous fumes inside a public toilet in Mumbai.
Officials said a nearby factory may have released harmful chemicals there.
Public toilets can also collect gases made when biological waste breaks down.
These toilets are often enclosed and poorly ventilated, making the gases dangerous.
Poor cleaning and maintenance can make the problem worse.
Six people have died from toxic fumes in Mumbai public toilets during the past four years.
The city says it may charge user fees to raise money for maintenance.
It also plans to redevelop some public toilets.
Two people died Sunday after inhaling chemical fumes inside a public toilet in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari area.
Preliminary findings said harmful chemicals were allegedly discharged into the toilet by a nearby factory.
Six people have died from toxic fumes in Mumbai public toilets over the past four years, including six labourers in 2022 and 2024 incidents.
Mumbai has 846 public toilets, each receiving an average of 10,000 users daily, according to civic records.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plans to introduce user fees and redevelop several toilets to improve maintenance and safety.
- Who
- Two people died, and officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board investigated the incident.
- What
- The victims died after inhaling chemical fumes inside a public toilet.
- When
- The deaths occurred on Sunday; the article also cites similar incidents in March 2022 and March 2024.
- Where
- A public toilet in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari area.
- Why
- Preliminary reports said chemicals were allegedly discharged into the toilet by a nearby factory, while poor ventilation and sanitation gaps can also allow toxic gases to accumulate.
- Recent deaths
- Two people died after inhaling chemical fumes in a Mumbai public toilet.
- Public toilets in Mumbai
- The city has 846 public toilets.
- Average daily footfall
- Each public toilet receives an average of 10,000 users per day.
- Deaths over four years
- Six people have died after inhaling chemical fumes or toxic gases in public toilets.
- Potential gases
- Decomposition can produce hydrogen sulphide and methane, while reducing oxygen levels.
- Planned response
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is considering user fees and has taken several toilets up for redevelopment.