Airport Security Trays Are Dirtier Than Toilet Seats

Yep, you read it right. Airport security trays are dirtier than toilet seats.

If you’re going on a flight, one of the many processes you cannot avoid is the baggage checks. This is where millions of people have dropped their belongings—bags, computers, belts, jackets, shoes, you name it—into trays to have them scanned for security. One may recall the speed at which each plastic tray is cycled through the scanners from one person to another. It is no wonder that these trays have been found to be significantly dirtier than toilet seats.

A study conducted by the University of Nottingham in England and the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland investigated the number of germs and viruses on various surfaces, as well as the air, at Helsinki-Vantaa airport during the winter season of 2015-2016. The samples came from frequently touched areas such as toilet seats, luggage trolleys, handrails, and of course, security trays. The study, published in the BMC Infectious Diseases journal, showed that out of all of the surfaces tested, the number of respiratory viruses on the security trays was the highest, with over half of the tested trays harboring multiple germs that could cause common colds. According to Finavia, the company that owns the airport, the plastic trays are washed regularly as part of the hygiene protocols. However, traces of the germs found on security trays included influenza A and rhinovirus, which were not found on toilet seats.

Airport security trays are not the only things that are cycled frequently and used by many people. Other than traveling abroad, even a day at school could put one at risk of catching viruses from touching surfaces like door handles, seat belts on buses, desks, and touchscreens. You may find some unexpected areas you have touched that could be the cause of your sniffling nose. To avoid catching a cold, it may be wise to always carry a hand sanitizer, or simply remember to wash your hands.

For more information, please visit the BMC Infectious Diseases journal, simplemost.com, nytimes.com, and matadornetwork.com.