"I didn't eat nuts"... I wondered why I developed an allergy after boarding a plane.

Experts say there is no evidence to support the notion that nut allergens can spread through an aircraft's ventilation system and pose a risk to passengers with allergies.

Researchers at Imperial College London, UK, recently published the results of a systematic review of evidence published since 1980 commissioned by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2023, aimed at clearing up some of the misconceptions about the risks to passengers with nut allergies on regular airliners. The review was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

 

According to the report, the main risk factor for food allergies is the presence of allergens on surfaces such as aircraft overhead bins and seatback screens. Furthermore, the rapid turnaround times of many low-cost airlines (the time it takes for a flight to arrive before departure) may exacerbate this risk.

They also said that while some residue from the nut shelling process may remain in the air, it quickly settles to the ground and is removed by the aircraft's filtration system, so the risk of airborne transmission is negligible. Aircraft ventilation systems are designed to circulate air throughout the aircraft, and during flight, air is changed every three to four minutes, so about half of the air in the cabin is recycled air that has passed through filters.

 

Because food proteins are often sticky, unintentional exposure to allergens is likely due to surface contamination on seats, seatback entertainment systems, and seatback bins. Touching these surfaces can lead to exposure to allergens during the eating process.

 

The researchers said wiping potentially contaminated surfaces with disinfectant wipes before starting a flight could minimize the risk. They also emphasized that this is especially important given that low-cost airlines often perform minimal cabin cleaning between flights.

 

However, the researchers believe that asking passengers to avoid eating nuts during a flight likely won't reduce the risk. They also advise passengers at risk for severe anaphylactic reactions to food to carry an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen, in their carry-on luggage. The researchers added, "Airlines should have clear food allergy policies available on their websites or upon passenger request. Consistent enforcement of these policies by both ground staff and cabin crew will provide reassurance to passengers with food allergies and their guardians."

 

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Substances that cause nut allergies

It can spread through the aircraft's ventilation system.

Experts have stated that there is no evidence to support this perception.

 

You can't eat nuts during the flight. It's better not to eat them.