Planes Are Teeming With Germs
May-22-2014

Illness-causing bacteria can survive on surfaces inside airplanes for days or even up to a week, a new study shows.

Researchers tested how long two types of harmful bacteria - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli O157:H7 - could linger on common types of surfaces in airplane cabins.

The researchers received six different types of materials - armrest, plastic tray table, metal toilet button, window shade, seat pocket cloth, and leather - from a major airline. The two types of bacteria were placed on these surfaces and exposed to typical conditions found inside passenger aircraft.

MRSA survived the longest on seat pocket cloth (168 hours), while E. coli O157:H7 survived longest on armrest material (96 hours), according to the study that was to be presented at the American Society for Microbiology's annual meeting in Boston.

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