Furry pet allergens, fungal DNA and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) in the commercial aircraft cabin environment.

This study examines the presence of pet allergens, fungal DNA, and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) in the cabin environment of commercial aircraft, noting higher levels of these contaminates in planes with textile seating compared to those with leather seating.

Research Methodology

• The researchers collected dust and air samples from planes belonging to two European airline companies. Nine airplanes were studied from each company, with one featuring cabins with textile seats (TSC) and the other using leather seats (LSC).
• Dust was vacuumed from airplane seats, floors, and other parts of the cabin. Then, samples were analyzed for the presence of cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), and horse allergens (Equ cx) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Additionally, the samples were tested for the presence of five sequences of fungal DNA via quantitative PCR.
• MVOCs were sampled on charcoal tubes during 42 TSC flights. These compounds were later analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selective ion monitoring.
• The researchers also compared the MVOC levels in the airplane cabins with those typically found in residences in Nordic countries.

Findings

• The total weight of dust was found to be 1.8 times larger in TSC cabins compared to LSC cabins. This difference was statistically significant, as indicated by a p-value of less than 0.001.
• Textile seats were found to harbor significantly higher concentrations of pet allergens compared to leather seats. For example, cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), and horse allergens (Equ cx) were 50 times, 27 times, and 75 times higher respectively, in TSC cabins compared to LSC cabins.
• Similarly, the levels of fungal DNA were also significantly higher in TSC compared to LSC.
• The researchers also discovered that the combined levels of MVOCs (excluding butanols) in the cabin air was 3192 ng m(-3), which is 3.7 times higher than in homes. Some specific compounds, such as 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol, were found at concentrations 15-17 times higher than those usually detected in homes.
• However, some compounds such as isobutanol, 1-butanol, dimethyldisulfide, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, isobutyl acetate and ethyl-2-methylbutyrate were present at lower levels in cabin air compared to homes.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that textile seats are much more contaminated by pet allergens and fungal DNA than leather seats. They recommended encouraging the use of seats with smooth surfaces to reduce allergen and fungal contamination.
• They also pointed out that the levels of MVOCs varied significantly between airplane cabins and homes, indicating a unique microbial environment within aircraft.