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The plastic trays that passengers put their hand luggage in at security checkpoints have the highest numbers of viruses of anywhere in an airport, including toilets, new research suggests.

Such trays are covered in pathogens that can cause everything from the common cold and flu to pneumonia, bladder infections, SARS and even brain damage, according to the first study of its kind.

Plastic trays are thought to carry high numbers of viruses due to them being rapidly reused, as well as being touched by every single passenger that passes through an airport.

Such trays are also rarely disinfected, with their hard surfaces allowing viruses to survive for up to a day.