Roberta Aguirre
It's a good idea to wash your hands and belongings before going through airport security, as a study found that the plastic TSA trays used to hold items before X-ray have more germs than airport toilets. The study, conducted at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, detected viruses on 10% of the surfaces tested, including the common cold and flu virus. Given that we often touch our keys and phones after touching various surfaces in public places, it's not surprising that these items can become grimy and contaminated with germs over time. While some people may find the idea of washing their keys unusual, doing so can help reduce the spread of germs, especially when travelling through airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason to wash your keys before going to the airport | To avoid germs and viruses |
| Reason for germs and viruses at the airport | A study found that the plastic TSA trays where you put your stuff before X-ray have more germs than airport toilets |
| Common viruses found | Rhinovirus, flu virus |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Keys can get grimy from regular handling and contact with other surfaces
- Plastic TSA trays at airports have more germs than toilets
- Viruses, including the common cold and flu, can be transmitted via these trays
- Wash your hands before going through airport security
- Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser to use after handling the trays
Keys can get grimy from regular handling and contact with other surfaces
Keys can get dirty from regular use and contact with other surfaces. They are handled frequently throughout the day and are often exposed to various environments and surfaces, such as being placed on tables, thrown into bags, or jangled around in pockets with other items. Over time, this constant handling and contact can lead to a build-up of grime and bacteria on the surface of keys.
The accumulation of dirt and bacteria on keys is a natural consequence of their frequent use and the various surfaces they come into contact with. For example, keys that are kept in bags or purses can pick up additional dirt and bacteria from the items within the bag, such as makeup, food crumbs, or other objects that may be carried. Similarly, keys that are used to open doors or unlock vehicles can come into contact with a variety of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, leading to a transfer of dirt and bacteria onto the keys themselves.
Furthermore, keys often have intricate grooves and patterns on their surfaces, which can provide additional nooks and crannies for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. These grooves can be challenging to clean, allowing dirt and bacteria to build up over time, especially if keys are not regularly cleaned or sanitised.
The transfer of dirt and bacteria onto keys can also occur through direct contact with hands. Throughout the day, hands come into contact with numerous surfaces, including doorknobs, handrails, and electronic devices, which can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. When individuals touch their keys after touching these surfaces without first washing their hands, they transfer the bacteria and viruses onto the keys, contributing to the accumulation of grime.
Additionally, keys are often shared among family members or colleagues, providing another opportunity for the transfer of dirt and bacteria. When keys are passed from one person to another, any dirt or bacteria present on an individual's hands can be transferred onto the keys, and subsequently, onto the hands of the next person who touches them. This highlights the importance of regular handwashing and key cleaning to maintain proper hygiene and reduce the spread of germs.
Navigating Airport Connections: Changing Planes Efficiently
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic TSA trays at airports have more germs than toilets
It is advisable to wash your keys before going to the airport, as they can be a breeding ground for germs. A study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases found that the plastic TSA trays at airports have more germs than toilets. The trays, which are used by millions of passengers to hold their shoes, wallets, laptops, luggage, and other items, were found to harbour various germs, including the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, and the influenza A virus.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, swabbed surfaces at Helsinki Airport during and after peak hours in the winter of 2016. They found that half of the TSA trays tested positive for illness-causing germs, while no viruses were detected on toilet surfaces. The researchers attributed this to the rapid recycling of the trays, which are touched by several hundred passengers per day.
The risk of spreading illnesses at airports can be mitigated by offering hand sanitiser to passengers and increasing the frequency of wiping down plastic luggage trays. It is also advisable to wash your keys and other personal items, such as cell phones and bags, to reduce the spread of germs. While it may not be practical to wash individual keys, especially if you have multiple keychains, you can use cleaning products, such as soap and water or disinfectant wipes, to clean your keys and other frequently touched items.
Some people shared their experiences with washing their keys and other personal items. One person described seeing someone wash their keys in the office kitchen by filling a disposable cup with soap and water, while others mentioned using disinfectant wipes on their phones and washing their bags and backpacks. While it may seem excessive to some, maintaining basic hygiene by cleaning our personal items can help reduce the spread of germs, especially in high-traffic areas like airports.
Dallas Airport: Easy or Tricky to Navigate?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Viruses, including the common cold and flu, can be transmitted via these trays
It is important to maintain good hygiene, especially when travelling, as viruses can be transmitted through surfaces. A study conducted at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland found that the plastic trays used at airport security, where passengers place their personal items for X-ray screening, carry more germs than airport toilets. The study, led by the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, revealed that viruses were present on 10% of the surfaces tested, with the rhinovirus and influenza virus being the most common. These viruses are responsible for causing the common cold and flu, respectively.
The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with these frequently touched surfaces at airports. When passengers place their keys, phones, and other personal items in these trays, they come into contact with various germs and viruses left by previous users. Subsequently, when individuals touch their eyes, nose, or mouth without realizing, they increase the likelihood of contracting these viruses.
To reduce the risk of virus transmission, it is recommended to practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before and after handling items at airport security can help prevent the spread of viruses. Additionally, it is advisable to clean your keys, phone, and other items that come into direct contact with your hands regularly. By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly lower your chances of contracting or spreading viruses, such as the common cold or flu, through these often-overlooked surfaces.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that while the study specifically mentioned plastic trays at airport security, similar surfaces in other public spaces, such as metal trays at security checkpoints in other buildings or trays used in food courts, may also harbour viruses and germs. Therefore, maintaining good hand hygiene and being mindful of the surfaces we frequently come into contact with can help reduce the risk of virus transmission in various settings, not just airports.
Istanbul Airport: Do You Need a Transit Visa?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wash your hands before going through airport security
It is important to practice good hygiene when travelling, especially in crowded places like airports. A study by the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare found that the plastic trays used at airport security have more germs than airport toilets. The study detected viruses on 10% of the surfaces tested, including the common cold-causing rhinovirus and the flu virus. Therefore, it is recommended to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after going through airport security to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs and viruses.
When you go through airport security, you usually have to place your personal belongings in these plastic trays for scanning. These trays are handled by numerous travellers throughout the day, allowing bacteria and viruses to spread easily. Washing your hands after touching these trays can help prevent the transmission of illnesses.
In addition to the risk of catching a common illness, there is also a risk of coming into contact with metallic or flammable substances. It is possible to have traces of these substances on your hands without realising it, such as after handling an old pencil and feeling the graphite on your hands. Airports often swab passengers for explosive residue, and these traces of metallic or flammable elements can trigger a positive result, causing delays and inconvenience.
Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid applying lotion before going through airport security as certain ingredients, such as glycerin, can be mistaken for nitroglycerin during swab tests for explosive residue. By washing your hands and avoiding lotion, you can reduce the chances of false positives during security screenings.
In summary, maintaining good hand hygiene by washing your hands or using hand sanitiser before and after going through airport security is crucial for preventing the spread of germs and viruses. It also helps to avoid potential delays caused by false positives during security screenings for metallic or flammable substances.
Eilat's Airport: Does it Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser to use after handling the trays
It is always a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when travelling, especially at the airport. This is because you will be touching many surfaces that have been touched by thousands of other passengers, and germs can spread easily. The trays used at security are a prime example of this. You place your personal items in them, and then the trays are handled by security staff and passed back to the next passenger.
The trays are handled by multiple people and can be a hotbed of germs, so it is sensible to sanitise your hands after touching them. Hand sanitiser is a quick and easy way to do this, and it can be carried in your hand luggage without any issues. It is a good idea to keep a small bottle with you at all times, as it can be used after touching any surface at the airport, from check-in counters to luggage trolleys.
In the past, hand sanitiser was subject to the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage, but with the introduction of CT scanners at some airports, this rule may be scrapped in the future. These scanners can analyse the contents of bottles, so full-size items may be allowed. However, this technology is not yet available at all airports, so it is important to check the rules for your specific airport before travelling.
Travellers should also be aware that other items may be restricted, such as scissors, screwdrivers, and pliers, which must be under a certain length to be permitted in carry-on luggage. Additionally, portable chargers and power banks that use lithium batteries are now banned from checked luggage due to fire risk but are permitted in carry-on bags. It is always best to plan ahead and be aware of the restrictions to ensure a smooth journey through the airport.
Keflavik Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Your Flight
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Keys can get dirty and grimy over time and washing them can help prevent the spread of germs. This is especially important before going to the airport, where you may come into contact with a lot of different surfaces and people. A study found that the plastic trays at airport security have more germs than airport toilets.
It is not necessary to wash your keys daily. However, it is a good idea to wash them regularly, especially if they get dirty or greasy.
You can wash your keys with soap and water, or use a disinfectant wipe or spray. If you have a lot of keys, you may need to find a way to wash them all at once, such as by using a disposable cup or a small bowl.
