Going through security at airports could make you ILL as viruses found in plastic trays


The simple act of going through airport security before jetting off to sunnier climes could actually make you ill, according to a new study.

Pandemic experts found evidence of viruses on 10% of airport surfaces tested – with the most being found on the plastic trays at the X-ray terminals.

Viruses were also found on shop payment terminals, staircase rails, passport checking counters and children’s play areas.

<em>Plastic security trays harbour the highest levels of viruses at airports, according to a study (Rex)</em>
Plastic security trays harbour the highest levels of viruses at airports, according to a study (Rex)

The various surfaces were swabbed at Helsinki-Vantaa airport at peak-time as part of a scientific investigation carried out by experts from the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare during the winter of 2016.

Experts concluded that hand washing and careful coughing hygiene are crucial to the control of contagious infections in public areas with high volumes of people passing through.

The University of Nottingham said the most common virus found in the survey was rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, while the swabs also picked up the influenza A virus.

READ MORE ON YAHOO NEWS UK:

Four out of five adults at risk of early death because their ‘heart age’ is too high
Misogyny could be made a hate crime as MPs prepare for historic vote

2.6 million ‘have changed their minds about supporting Brexit’
Japan typhoon: Hundreds of cars left wrecked as worst storm in 25 years kills 10
Neglected cat covered in dreadlocked fur undergoes miracle transformation

No respiratory viruses were found on toilet surfaces.

Professor of Health Protection Jonathan Van Tam, from the University’s School of Medicine, said: ‘This study supports the case for improved public awareness of how viral infections spread.

‘People can help to minimise contagion by hygienic hand washing and coughing into a handkerchief, tissue or sleeve at all times – but especially in public places.

<em>Various surfaces were swabbed at Helsinki-Vantaa airport at peak-time (Wikipedia)</em>
Various surfaces were swabbed at Helsinki-Vantaa airport at peak-time (Wikipedia)

‘These simple precautions can help prevent pandemics and are most important in crowded areas like airports that have a high volume of people travelling to and from many different parts of the world.’

Virology expert Niina Ikonen from the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare said: ‘The presence of microbes in the environment of an airport has not been investigated previously.

<em>The research found viruses were most commonly found on the plastic trays that are circulated along the passenger queue at the hand luggage X-ray checkpoint (Rex)</em>
The research found viruses were most commonly found on the plastic trays that are circulated along the passenger queue at the hand luggage X-ray checkpoint (Rex)

‘The new findings support preparedness planning for controlling the spread of serious infectious diseases in airports.

‘The results also provide new ideas for technical improvements in airport design and refurbishment.’

Advertisement