A lack of public restrooms can lead to more than just a serious case of small-bladder syndrome. It’s an added hardship for homeless people who can’t afford a membership at a gym or coffee shop that provides access to restrooms, and an accessibility issue for those with disabilities—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to provide equal access, including accessible toilets. As a matter of fact, a recent shigella outbreak among the homeless coincides with public restroom closures.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ubuntuvillageusa.org/2022/01/27/public-bathrooms-are-scarce-in-seattle-what-are-the-consequences/