Welcome and thank you for checking out our blog! This post is our second in a series of posts that will explore the dirtiest places found in different environments. Environments such as your office, your home, the airport, etc. Click here to follow us on Facebook or click here to connect with us on LinkedIn to be alerted when those posts become available.
Every day, millions of people travel through airports. Have you ever stopped to think about how clean airports are? Yes, airports clean the common areas such as bathrooms and restaurants, but what about the other surfaces or items within an airport? Airports are highly concerned with security and providing safe and convenient travel, that cleaning can often be a secondary priority. Below you will find areas within an airport that may carry a higher number of germs and some tips for keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Germs:
A common place we think of for germs is bathrooms. However, here are some other places and surfaces in the airport that are known to harbor lots of germs. Most of the germs on these surfaces are due to improper hand washing techniques but can also occur from coughing or sneezing:
- Security trays: people are required to remove shoes, clothing such as jackets, empty bags, etc. Places these items in the security bins, allows for cross contamination onto other items. CBS News recently reported on a study on the security trays that found they carry more germs than toilets! (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/airport-security-trays-carry-more-germs-than-toilets-study-finds/?utm_content=76750084&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter)
- Handrails and escalators
- Self check-in kiosks
- Kids play areas
- Gate seats and arm rests
- Counters
- Handles on luggage carts or wheelchairs
- Common areas: buttons, such as vending machine buttons or elevator and water fountains.
What can you do to help?
First and foremost, the biggest thing you can do is wash your hands! Make sure you are washing your hands before and after handling food, after using the restroom, after sneezing or coughing, and after handling anything that you think may be dirty. Using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps cut down on germs.
If you are unable to wash your hands, some airports offer hand sanitizer dispensers throughout. Make sure before leaving an area, eating, sneezing or coughing, that you use the hand sanitizer to prevent spreading germs and getting sick!
Travel packs of disinfecting wipes are also helpful in wiping off surfaces or personal belongings as you travel to avoid spreading any germs. Be sure to wipe down your seat, armrest, and tray table once you are on the airplane as well.
Wear socks and keep them on during security wait lines. Avoid walking around barefoot on floors at the airport.
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