New Delhi: Experts cautioned on Sunday that there may be increased cross-contamination concerns when shoes and personal items are used in the same tray at airport security check-ins. This is why a senior executive recently brought attention to the “unsanitary practice” being used at Bengaluru airport.
In most Indian airports, travellers must remove their heels and boots before their bags are scanned. Although some trays have shoe images on them, people frequently use the same trays to drop down personal belongings.
Taking to social media platform X.com, Anand Nichani, the managing director of Magniflex India, called out against using the same trays to keep passengers’ shoes and personal items such as phones and laptops for being scanned at airport security check-in.
“The same trays that carry our muddy shoes are used for our personal items at airport security! This is NOT okay! Bengaluru airport, it’s time to make dedicated trays for shoes MANDATORY for a cleaner and more pleasant experience for everyone!” posted Nichani, who was flying from Bengaluru to Delhi.
While Bengaluru International Airport responded, “We’ve positioned dedicated shoe trays adjacent to all of the X-rays for ease,” Nichani said it should be made mandatory. The airport authorities, however, may have logistical concerns about the implementation of this practice, such as the need for additional trays and the potential impact on the speed of security checks.
Dr Aravinda S N, Lead Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS that “using the same trays for shoes and personal belongings can lead to the transfer of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from footwear to personal items. This can result in the spread of illnesses, including influenza, norovirus, and MRSA.”
“Footwear, especially shoes, transmit infection and can contaminate the floors or the place where they are kept, increasing cross-contamination risks in public spaces,” added Dr Neha Mishra, Consultant – Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.
TExperts noted that children and the elderly are more susceptible to infections due to weaker immune systems.
Contamination of surfaces and objects by contaminated materials can result in serious health concerns such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and even potentially fatal illnesses like sepsis. This underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene and following recommended practices at airport security check-ins.
Poor sanitation and unclean habits can result in serious health hazards, including skin disorders, respiratory conditions, and gastrointestinal infections. These circumstances have the potential to spread into pandemics and have long-term effects, such as reduced immunity and chronic ailments. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain hygiene and follow recommended practices to prevent such health hazards.
According to Mishra, using distinct shoe containers can reduce the danger of virus transmission without contaminating other items that are being inspected at the airport.
Aravinda offered some fundamental advice on how to stop the transmission of contagious diseases when travelling in public areas, including constantly using hand sanitizer, refraining from touching your mouth or face while going through security, and completely washing your hands afterwards.
–IANS
