World Toilet Day set Saturday

SINGAPORE, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The World Toilet Organization said it hopes to raise awareness Saturday -- World Toilet Day -- of people who don't have access to proper sanitation facilities.

The organization in Singapore estimated 2.6 billion people don't have proper sanitation, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Children often suffer the most because of limited access to clean water and poor sanitation," Sarah Bouchie of ChildFund International said in a release. "Poor sanitary conditions lead to more disease and less food, and precious family income must be spent on purchasing water or dealing with the effects of illness."

Americans take toilets for granted, but in some countries they are a luxury, officials said.

The day may also be used by some to shop for expensive new commodes, such as the Kohler Numi, which retails for $6,400 and comes with a touch-screen remote to operate features, including a retractable air dyer, an air deodorizer, heated seats, a foot warmer, a motion-activated lid and built-in speakers, the Times reported.

The most expensive toilet on the market, part of Toto's Miyabi collection, sells for $12,000 and forgoes high-tech features in favor of a golden plum-and-bamboo design painted with 24-karat gold.