Airports in the U.S. are introducing antimicrobial security trays to stop the spread of disease 

Airports are introducing antimicrobial trays at security checkpoints in a bid to stop the spread of disease

  • The trays have been all been treated with powerful antimicrobial technology
  • It inhibits the growth of bacteria by stopping it from reproducing and spreading
  • The trays will be in use at more than 30 major U.S. airports by the end of summer 

Airports across the U.S are rolling out antimicrobial security trays in a bid to stop the spread of disease.

By the end of the summer more than 30 major hubs will have introduced the trays, which have all been treated with powerful anti-microbial technology.

This technology inhibits the growth of bacteria by disrupting its cellular function, meaning it can’t reproduce and spread.

The new antimicrobial security trays that are being rolled out across 30 major airports in the U.S. They have been treated with technology that helps stop the spread of bacteria 

The trays have been produced by Florida-based company Security Point Media in partnership with Microban International, a firm specialising in antimicrobial and odour-control technologies.

According to Mental Floss, they are already in use in Denver, Nashville and Tampa airports and will be rolled out to more airports by early July.

Joseph T. Ambrefe, Jr., chief executive officer of Security Point Media, said: ‘Travelers are familiar with and trust antimicrobial products in their homes, this partnership brings antimicrobial benefits and peace of mind to a common denominator in air travel – the screening checkpoint.’

Michael Ruby, vice president of Microban, added: ‘With more than two million travelers passing through U.S. airports on a daily basis, there is a great opportunity to support the Security Point Media mission.

‘We are confident the addition of Microban technology to Security Point Media’s Secure Tray will be well-received by airport operators and the general population alike.’

Last year, research from the University of Nottingham found that plastic trays at security checkpoints have the highest numbers of viruses of anywhere in an airport, including the toilets.

Research from the University of Nottingham found that plastic trays at security checkpoints have the highest numbers of viruses of anywhere in an airport, including the toilets (file picture)

Research from the University of Nottingham found that plastic trays at security checkpoints have the highest numbers of viruses of anywhere in an airport, including the toilets (file picture) 

Such trays are covered in pathogens that can cause everything from the common cold and flu to pneumonia, bladder infections, Sars and even brain damage, according to the first study of its kind.

The researchers say their findings highlight hot spots for disease transmission, which could be important during a severe epidemic.

Speaking at the time, study author Professor Jonathan Van Tam said: ‘This study supports the case for improved public awareness of how viral infections spread.

‘People can help to minimise contagion by hygienic hand washing and coughing into a handkerchief, tissue or sleeve at all times but especially in public places.

‘These simple precautions can help prevent pandemics and are most important in crowded areas like airports that have a high volume of people travelling to and from many different parts of the world.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk