This research was conducted by scientists from the University of Nottingham (UK) in collaboration with the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare.

Researchers collected samples from a variety of surfaces at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, including elevator buttons, stair handrails, children's play areas, restrooms, and especially plastic trays in the security check area.

The results showed that plastic trays – items used by thousands of passengers every day – are the place where the most respiratory viruses accumulate, including seasonal flu viruses.

The tray at the security check area contains a lot of bacteria. Photo: The NYTimes

What worries experts is that these trays are hardly disinfected regularly, while the number of people in contact is very large. Compared to public toilets, the possibility of viruses surviving and spreading on plastic trays is even higher.

The study highlights that airports – places where people from all over the world gather – can become ideal "transit points" for flu viruses and other respiratory diseases.

To limit risks, the authors recommend tightening hygiene in the security check area: Regularly disinfecting plastic trays, placing hand sanitizer at the exit, and encouraging passengers to wash their hands immediately after completing the procedure.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, co-author of the study, stressed: "This result reminds us of the importance of personal hygiene. "Washing hands and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing are small actions that can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the virus."

Why you shouldn't put your phone directly on the security tray at the airport? During the security process at the airport, many passengers often put their phones directly on the tray. However, travel experts warn that this is a habit that can lead to big problems.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vat-dung-quen-thuoc-o-san-bay-nhung-ban-hon-bon-cau-2442373.html