Air on planes could be toxic

Jet engine fuel pollutants can bleed into the cabin
during taxiing, a new study says.

Working above the clouds doesn’t mean you can leave air pollution worries and toxic chemicals behind.

In fact, fumes from plane engines could be drawn right into the plane cabin during taxiing, experts say.

A new study into the air quality on airplanes says that the air conditioning may have to be shut off during taxiing to prevent pollutants from entering.

The four-year study, which began in 2007, could not rule out that toxicity could occur on flights. This news will come as no surprise to some crews that have claimed to have gotten sick from cabin air.

However, hot temperatures in the cabin and cockpit may make it difficult or extremely uncomfortable for passengers to shut of the air conditioning during those times.

Crew members have complained of symptoms they say were stemming from low-level chronic exposure to contaminants from jet engines. The symptoms included dizziness, hallucinations, memory loss, fatigue, seizures and paralysis.

Jet engine oil contains many chemicals, among them tricresyl phosphate (or TCP), which is a neurotoxin.

The researchers found it was difficult to determine the extent of the contamination, as commercial aircraft do not have on-board air quality monitoring systems.

The study is called “Contamination of Aircraft Cabin Air by Bleed Air” and it was conducted by a panel of experts set up by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

The lack of conclusive findings means that there won’t be any regulation changes or recommendations.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Better indoor air quality in planes

The air in plane cabins often becomes stuffy and uncomfortable, especially during long flights.

It’s too bad airlines haven’t found a way to use air cleaners with activated carbon on board. Air cleaners with carbon, HEPA and optional UV lamps would be able to remove a wide range of contaminants from the cabin air, including airborne chemicals and gases, odors, particles, viruses and bacteria.

Electrocorp offers a variety of air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications. For more information and recommendations, contact Electrocorp.