Green group flushes out truth on hi-tech toilets

They blow-dry your bottom and play a melodious tune to conceal any lavatorial noises, but Japan's hi-tech toilets are being criticised as an environmental hazard.

An estimated 3 million advanced toilets are sold a year, mostly replaceable lid units with updated functions, but their increasingly clever circuitry is using up more electricity than ever before.

'New Japanese toilets have washlets, heated seats and sensors that enable them to lift their lids automatically when someone approaches, but all that takes energy,' said Gakuji Fukatsu, a spokes- man for the Green Purchasing Network.

The very latest versions can carry out basic health checks on a seated user, monitoring pulse rates, blood pressure and fat levels.

'The 'big-four' home appliances in terms of the energy they use are air conditioners, refrigerators, lights and televisions, with electric toilets sixth on the list and using up about 4 per cent of the electricity in the average home,' Mr Fukatsu said.

'We think that's wasteful. Is it really necessary to have the seat heated and your bottom washed every time you use the toilet?'