Some airlines have stopped serving peanuts on board due to allergy concerns. Cheryl Chan/Getty Images
People with a peanut allergy are at risk of serious reactions if other people eat peanuts, and there is no strong evidence that allergens circulate in the air on airplanes. The same is expected to be true for other types of nuts and foods to which people are commonly allergic.
People with food allergies may experience symptoms such as rash, nausea, and shortness of breath when exposed to the allergen through eating, skin contact, or inhalation. In severe cases, it can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which can cause swelling in the throat, dizziness, and even severe difficulty breathing.
Some airlines have banned the sale of nuts on flights, and flight attendants have announced that passengers should not eat nuts if they know they have an allergy.
To investigate the evidence behind the inhalation risks, Researchers from Imperial College London looked at the results of five studies, focusing on peanuts.
One study looked at whether peanut particles were present in air samples from commercial planes where snacks were being served. Researchers found nothing in nearly all the samples they collected. That’s because these planes are equipped with filters that remove peanut particles from the air before they spread into the cabin, Turner said.
The exception was air samples collected immediately around the tray table where peanuts were being consumed, but these allergens were at very low levels and probably not enough to cause an allergic reaction, Turner said.
Four other studies looked at levels of allergens in the air when people ate or shelled peanuts at home or in the lab. Similarly, very low levels of allergens were detected within about half a meter of people who were shelling or eating peanuts. At most, it can cause a mild allergic reaction, such as watery eyes, Turner said.
However, high levels of allergens were found in the seats, trays and floors of the aircraft where the original study was conducted. Mr Turner said his team was working with British airlines to make flights safer for people with allergies.
The same results probably apply to other allergens, such as other nuts, seafood, and eggs, Turner said.
“This report summarizes what has been long established: that peanuts are highly unlikely to aerosolize and pose an airborne risk to passengers.” Matthew Greenhort at the University of Colorado.
Source: www.newscientist.com
