China mall installs glass windows on men’s toilet doors that turn transparent when users smoke
Privacy fears emerge over special technology introduced after no-smoking warnings and sloganeering failed to extinguish problem
A shopping centre in southern China has installed special glass on the doors of men’s toilet cubicles that becomes transparent when people smoke inside, winning applause online.
The move involving bathrooms at Shenzhen’s Shuibei International Centre and Shuibei Jinzuo Building, two jewellery shopping malls in Guangdong province, trended on social media on December 16.
The glass uses a special technology that is normally opaque and cuts off the power in a few seconds after it detects smoke, making the glass transparent.
The shopping centres ensure that bathroom users are aware of the function with a notice on the door that says: “The glass will turn transparent if you smoke. Hold your urge to smoke if you do not want to become famous online.”
Many praised the new technology online. One person said: “Finally, there is an effective measure to tackle smokers.”
Traditional measures such as slogans and small fines have been used in smoking-free facilities but have had minimal effects.