The holidays often entail traveling to see family and friends. For some of us, traveling by air is the most practical option.
Today I stumbled upon an article discussing a study published in September, on the safety of the water available in airplanes. It concluded that most of it is “unhealthy,” and recommended that passengers avoid consuming airline coffee, tea or water other than that from a sealed bottle. It also recommended not washing one’s hands after using the restroom, but to use hand sanitizers instead.
That last part is bad advice.
Water Quality
Water (and food) safety is measured by the presence of coliform bacteria in it. While the latter can be found in soil and vegetation, it’s also common in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Finding coliform bacteria in water strongly suggests contamination by fecal matter – poop.
Most coliforms don’t cause disease. But a high concentration of them in water may be evidence of the presence of virulent pathogens of fecal origin.
To Wash or Not to Wash Your Hands
The likelihood of getting sick after contact with germs depends partly on the amount one is exposed to. A high concentration of bacteria can overwhelm your immune system, and you’ll get sick.
The level of bacterial contamination in water from an airplane’s faucet is a concern, but skipping hand-washing altogether is worse. (Imagine how contaminated the door handles could become if no one washes their hands!)
Water in the plane might be slightly contaminated, but it’s not water from a dirty puddle.
Washing your hands with soap and water is ALWAYS the BEST option. Scrubbing for 20-30 seconds is imperative. The scrubbing motion of washing and the surfactant properties of soap lift bacteria off your skin, which are then rinsed away. Lather functions as a barrier against microbes in the water.
Dry your hands – wet hands facilitate the transfer of germs.
Hand Sanitizers
If you opt for a hand sanitizer, use one with at least 60% alcohol content. Those are more effective at killing or inactivating germs.
Use the recommended amount and rub it over all hand surfaces, including nails, until the sanitizer dries. Again, the scrubbing is important, as is allowing enough time for the ingredients to act. The number of bacteria killed increases with increased exposure.
When to Skip Washing Your Hands
NEVER.
It is INEXCUSABLE to not wash your hands after using a restroom. It’s basic hygiene and an important public health measure. Hand washing diminishes the spread of disease and, by reducing the number of sick individuals, helps to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Whether you opt for soap and water or a hand sanitizer, wash your hands again shortly after landing.
(Photo by Gary Lopater on Unsplash)