Toilet Surfaces are considered one of the most unhygienic places at every household, simply due to the high number of viruses and other threats. However, a recent study may prove that conviction wrong. The study has found that airport security trays contain a higher number of viruses than toilet surfaces. Despite the fact that the study was based on the inputs from particular airports, the issue seems to be present in other areas as well. It should be noted that not only the airport security trays but also other sections like shop payment terminals and staircase rails etc. are also prone to this threat.
The research team, however, was able to find that security trays contain the highest amount of viruses even when the data collection is restricted to the airport. On an average, the amount is higher than what someone would find on a toilet surface. The research comes down to the conclusion that hygiene practices like hand-washing should be done in order to stay away from potential infections and other threats. Rhinovirus was one of the most found viruses in the set, but the researchers have also found common traces of the influenza A virus. However, respiratory viruses were not found in the samples.
It should be noted that this issue has not been taken seriously in the past. Even the researchers pointed out that the presence of microbes in airport environments has not been investigated so far. That having said, it should be considered seriously and investigated properly so that the public places are kept hygienic in the long run. The research team also says that the study shows the importance of preparedness when it comes to managing the spreading of infectious diseases via places like the airport. As we said, the situation might be worse when it comes to under-developed countries as well.
