They have resolved the matter.
Britain’s allergy and aviation medicine experts have revealed this in new research widely held belief Nut allergies are spread through airplane ventilation systems.
“In fact, food-induced allergic reactions are approximately 10-100 times less likely to occur during flights than ‘on the ground,'” the researchers write in their scientific review. Published on Tuesday In the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
In examining studies of airborne food allergies, the authors say that allergen residues on surfaces inside the cabin pose the greatest risk during flight – a risk that may increase due to faster airline turnaround times.
tray table cleaning“It is especially important to treat seat surfaces and seatback entertainment systems with sanitizing wipes at the beginning of a flight,” the study authors wrote, “at least given the minimal cabin cleaning that occurs between flights.” “Especially with low-cost carriers.”
Researchers say announcements telling passengers not to consume nuts during flight are unlikely to reduce the risk of allergic reactions during flight – and may instead provide false reassurance.
During large commercial flights the air is exchanged every three to four minutes – about half the air is recirculated passing through filters that remove dust, vapors and germs and airborne food particles. Catches it. The other half is outside air.
The study authors pointed out that the ventilation system is designed to circulate air throughout the aircraft rather than through the passenger cabin, reducing the potential for flyer-borne contaminants to spread through the cabin.
Allergic reactions to airborne food particles are rare. Exceptions include People sensitive to seafood exposed Vapors emanating from fish or shellfish and Bakers who get asthma By swallowing wheat flour as part of your job.
In 2019, reality star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel, who has a rare fish allergycalled a flight he took where bass was served A “death trap.”
As far as peanut allergies go, they can be detected at very low levels in the air while shelling the nuts, but the dust settles quickly and can only be detected very close to the nuts ,” the study authors wrote.
Approximately 4.6 million American adults are allergic to peanuts, with more than 800,000 of those adults developing the allergy as adults, According to 2021 research,
Allergic reactions can cause hives, swelling of the throat and lips, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and, in severe cases, anaphylaxisA life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
The authors of the latest study recommend that passengers at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen in their carry-on luggage, as these are not always included in onboard medical kits, nor are cabin crew always allowed to use them. .
“Airlines should have clear policies related to food allergies that are readily available on their websites or upon request,” the researchers said. “To provide reassurance to passengers with food allergies and their caregivers, these policies should be consistently enforced by both ground staff and cabin crew.”
