Threat of peanut allergy symptoms from air on planes has been overblown

There is no such thing as a robust proof that folks with peanut allergy symptoms are susceptible to a extreme response from others consuming peanuts and the allergens circulating by the air whereas on board a aircraft. Whereas peanuts are technically legumes, it’s thought the findings may also apply to nuts and different meals that individuals are generally allergic to.

Folks with meals allergy symptoms might expertise signs comparable to rashes, nausea and breathlessness after being uncovered to allergens by consuming, pores and skin contact or inhalation. In extreme circumstances, this could trigger a life-threatening response referred to as anaphylaxis, which might result in swelling of the throat, dizziness and extra severe respiration difficulties.

Some airways have banned the sale of nuts on flights and their employees make bulletins asking passengers to not eat them in the event that they know somebody on board has an allergy.

To discover the proof behind the inhalation threat, Paul Turner at Imperial School London and his colleagues centered on peanuts, reviewing the outcomes of 5 research.

One research appeared for peanut particles in air samples throughout a industrial flight the place the snack was being served. The researchers discovered none in practically all of the samples they collected. That’s as a result of these plane have filters that take away peanut particles within the air earlier than they unfold by the cabin, says Turner.

The exception was air samples collected instantly round tray tables the place peanuts have been being consumed, however these allergens have been at such low ranges that they’d most likely be inadequate to trigger an allergic response, says Turner.

4 different research checked out airborne allergen ranges as individuals ate or shelled peanuts, both of their properties or a lab. They equally discovered very low ranges of allergens inside about half a metre of somebody shelling or consuming peanuts. At most, this could trigger delicate allergic reactions, comparable to watery eyes, says Turner.

However greater ranges of allergens have been discovered on seats, trays and the ground of the primary research’s plane. Wiping down these surfaces would most likely take away a lot of the chance, says Turner, whose crew is working with UK airways to make flying safer for individuals with allergy symptoms.

The identical outcomes would most likely apply to different allergens, comparable to nuts, seafood and eggs, says Turner.

“This report summarises what has been effectively established for years, in that peanut is extremely unlikely to aerosolise and pose an airborne threat to passengers,” says Matthew Greenhawt on the College of Colorado.