This commonly used airport item has more viruses than a toilet – and it's almost impossible to avoid it

It is not surprising that airports are not the most hygienic places in the world. From bare feet of the security line to the doors of congested terminals, there are many viruses to watch.

With regard to the dirtiest parts of an airport, a new study found that plastic garbage cans at airport security checkpoints carry more germs – far more than toilets.

A group of pandemic experts from the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare analyzed various areas most affected at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. They have published their findings in the BMC Infectious Disease Journal, and the results will allow you to place a hand sanitizer and additional disinfectant wipes in your carrier.

Not only were the plastic bins loaded with viruses, but researchers also found evidence of viruses on 10% of all surfaces tested. These included payment terminals, stair railing, passport check desks, children's play areas and in the air.

"The new findings support preparedness planning to combat the spread of serious infectious diseases at airports. The results also provide new ideas for technical improvements in airport design and renovation, "said Niina Ikonen, a virology expert at the Finnish National Institute for Health and Wellbeing.

The rhinovirus, the virus that causes colds, was the most detected. The researchers also found traces of the influenza A virus. Swabs from the toilet surfaces did not reveal any respiratory viruses.

"People can help minimize contagion by washing their hands hygienically and coughing in a tissue, tissue or towel at all times, but especially in public places," said Jonathan Van Tam, professor of protection. These simple precautions can help prevent pandemics and are more important in overcrowded areas such as airports that transport large numbers of people to and from many parts of the world. "

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