Flying always raises questions about air quality. And as flu season reaches its height, many people start thinking more about the quality of the air they breathe and the spread of infection.
What are the concerns of cabin air? In addition to the airborne bacteria and viruses floating around, chemicals such as de-icing compounds, engine fumes, and pesticides can enter through the ventilation system.
As if pollutants and pathogens weren’t enough, another concern is pressurization and its effect on the body. In most planes, the pressure is similar to that of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. The resulting low availability of oxygen can cause drowsiness and fatigue, and can be even more dangerous to travelers with cardio or pulmonary ailments. Dry cabin air that is a product of fresh and recirculated air can also cause dehydration.
But all of these potential drawbacks don’t mean you should steer clear of the skies! There is a new technology available that will allow aircraft passengers to breathe a sigh of relief: AIRMANAGER, from BAE Systems and Quest International, is a cutting-edge system that can kill 99.999% of airborne bio-hazards, such as SARS and the flu, in a single pass. This system destroys chemical contaminants and pollutants in cabin air. In addition, the AIRMANAGER system can potentially offer fuel cost savings by providing improved cabin air recirculation. And as a bonus, the system removes unpleasant odors.
AIRMANAGER is just one of the many air filtration systems available. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it’s up to the task of providing you with quality air at high altitudes!