Airport security checks are a necessary hassle for travellers, but a disturbing discovery has revealed why you should never leave certain items behind in those plastic trays.
According to hygiene experts, airport security trays are among the dirtiest surfaces you'll encounter while travelling – even filthier than public toilets. Tests have shown they harbour alarming levels of bacteria, including those that can cause serious illnesses.
The Hidden Danger in Security Lines
Microbiologists found that security trays, which hundreds of passengers handle daily, contain traces of:
- Respiratory viruses like the common cold and flu
- Norovirus (the winter vomiting bug)
- E. coli bacteria
- MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph infections)
"These trays never get properly cleaned," explains Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a leading microbiologist. "While toilets are regularly disinfected, security equipment often goes untouched for days."
Most Contaminated Items
The worst offenders are small personal items that people frequently forget to retrieve:
- Mobile phones
- Wallets and purses
- Jewellery
- Belts
- Keys
"People instinctively wash their hands after using the toilet," Dr. Jenkins notes, "but no one thinks to sanitise after touching security trays."
How to Protect Yourself
Travellers can minimise risks by following these simple steps:
- Use hand sanitiser immediately after security
- Place items in your bag rather than loose in trays
- Consider using disposable gloves during screening
- Wipe down phones and other essentials with antibacterial cloths
Airport authorities insist they maintain high cleanliness standards, but with thousands of passengers passing through daily, complete sanitation remains challenging.
Next time you're rushing to collect your belongings at security, remember – that forgotten phone in the tray might come with more than just inconvenience.
