A research study has found that bacteria found in viruses such as E. Coli and MRSA can survive in airline cabins for up to a week.
A two-year study funded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airliner Cabin Research Center was carried out by Auburn University researchers and determined that bacteria can linger for days on porous surfaces such as airplane armrests, plastic tray tables, and seat pockets.
The study found bacteria from MRSA could survive for up to 168 hours and E. Coli for 96 hours.
An airline which hasn’t been named, supplied researchers with commonly touched material from its aircraft which were placed in a simulated environment to mimic in-flight conditions.
"Our data show that both of these bacteria can survive for days on these surfaces, particularly the porous material such as armrests and seat pockets," said Auburn researcher Kiril Vaglenov.
"Air travelers should be aware of the risk of catching or spreading a disease to other passengers and practice good personal hygiene."
The director of the study professor Jim Barbaree said the research highlights the importance of a sanitary environment for travelers.
"We want to work with the airlines to minimize the risks to human health," Barbaree said.
The research team is currently looking at ways of disinfecting aircraft interiors more effectively and materials that can help reduce the spread of bacteria.
