Due to the high-contact, high-traffic nature of airports, a significant number of germs, such as the flu or common cold, are passed from person to surface and surface to person through areas synonymous with airport security.
Airport Terminals are Covered in Germs
It should come as no surprise to many travelers that airport terminals and plane cabins are covered in germs and bacteria that make people sick.
However, new research has recently shed a disgusting light on just how nasty airport terminals are.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham in Nottingham, England, and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare measured germ levels on a variety of surfaces at Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland during the winter of 2016.
They found half of the security bins tested positive for germs, including influenza A and rhinovirus.
Neither of these viruses were found on toilet surfaces at the airport.
Other airport germ hot spots included shop payment terminals, staircase rails, passport checking counters, and children’s play areas.
Additionally;
The lead authors of the study concluded that the screening trays "appear commonly contaminated" and are one of the surfaces where passengers are most likely to contract harmful viruses.
"We found the highest frequency of respiratory viruses on plastic trays used in security check areas for depositing hand-carried luggage and personal items," the study says.
"These boxes typically cycle with high frequency to subsequent passengers, and are typically seized with a wide palm surface area and strong grip."
It concluded: "Security check trays appear to pose the highest potential risk and are used by virtually all embarking passengers.
Plastic airport security trays carry harmful viruses, study reveals
Safely Sanitizing Security Stations
The pervasiveness and proliferation of germs cannot be stopped.
The efficacy of conventional commercial cleaning and disinfection products decreases rapidly after application, and studies have shown a rapid increase in microbial colonies within hours of full sanitation with bleach in unoccupied rooms.
Over applying these chemicals is not safe or healthy for anyone, and can lead to side effects far outweighing the dangers of getting a cold or catching the flu.
However, there are safe (EPA certified Category IV) disinfectants that provide residual protection after application.
Combined with routine wipe downs of high-contact surfaces, such as security counters and the bins that everyone places their filthy shoes in (you know, the one you just set your cell phone in) with certified green disinfecting wipes, as well as advisable hand sanitation practices, the prevalence of germs and illness-causing bacteria can be reduced to more tolerable levels.
Green Cleaning Tips
It is advisable that airport facilities maintenance and environmental cleaning services outsource these services to control costs and keep overhead to a minimum.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect high-contact surfaces throughout the terminal with EPA Category IV disinfectants daily.
- Wipe down all high-contact surfaces with a certified green cleaning wipe every few hours, depending on the volume of foot traffic, and;
- Place liquid hand sanitizer at various points throughout the terminal in obvious locations and encourage travelers to use them before entering and after exiting security checkpoints.
Safe Traveling Tips
You are going to be exposed to germs--probably some pretty nasty ones.
That's because people don't follow the first rule for safe traveling--if you're sick, stay home.
Given that reality:
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Try to avoid placing your carry-on luggage on the ground.
- Keep hand sanitizer handy and use readily, especially before and after traversing security checkpoints, after using the restroom, or touching pretty much anything, especially before you eat.
Takeaway
Oddly, there have only been a small number of studies conducted in airport terminals, analyzing the presence and transfer of germs.
Disturbingly, what has been discovered so far points to much of the terminal being covered in illness-causing germs and bacteria that aren't even found in the airport bathrooms.
That's right--most of the surfaces in the terminal are filthier than the toilet seat in the bathroom of that airport.
No application of conventional cleaning methods or chemicals is going to address the increasingly difficult challenge of sanitizing airports to prevent the devastating outbreaks of SARS, influenza variations, or new diseases that emerge in the future.
Outsourcing to an experienced provider is a fast-track and cost-effective investment proven to provide concrete results without the risk and time-consuming requirements of hiring and training the necessary staff and acquiring the needed chemicals and equipment, in-house.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of outsourcing routine airport terminal cleaning services--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
