Nut bans no help to allergic air passengers, experts say

Previous studies show peanuts can be detected in the air only at very low levels and very close to the nuts themselves.

While vapours from fish or seafood and wheat-flour particles in the air can cause allergic reactions, those are exceptions.

Instead, the real danger comes from passengers on previous flights leaving peanut residue on the seats, trays, floor and entertainment screens.

If seat areas are not properly cleaned between flights, small pieces of nut may end up on the next passenger’s hands and face, the review says.

“If food-allergic people can board first, and have time to clean their seat area with something like a baby wipe or antibacterial wipe, they are much less likely to have accidental reactions,” Prof Turner said.