Poisoned 30,000 feet above the ground
I travel frequently and I am trying constantly to not expose myself to unhealthy airline food (a lot salt) and try to avoid flying airlines which use Bleed-air System Airplanes.
On some flights i took, Cabin Attendants started spraying the cabin. Until now I assumed that the spray was just a perfume for the cabin. How wrong I was!!!
My friend is a pilot with Lufthansa and he explained to me last time in Dubai, that the US Government advices Airlines to use Pestizides in flight. Many airlines use single-shot Servopak Airline Insecticide (or other brands). I remember that I felt a bit strange for about 30 minutes after they did use that spray.
Of course I understand, that with Zika or Maleria spreadinig in the world, that the use of Sprays might makes sense, but does it really have not effect on our bodies?
So most articles I found about this topic got it wrong. Even they linked to a WHO report, they didn't point out the difference between Residual disinsection and space spraying.
Residual disinsection = Disinsection on the ground using chemicals (will stay on surfaces for some time)
Space spraying = FAs use a spray airborne to spray the cabin
Check this Video
So I tried to dig deeper into this matter and found:
Residual disinsection provides an insecticidal deposit on inside walls of structures (cargo areas or passenger cabins) to kill target insects that come into contact with the treated surface. Such deposits are intended to remain active for extended periods of time. Space spraying is the dissemination of small particles (under 30μ m) that will remain airborne sufficiently long (usually not more than 30 minutes) to make contact with flying target species. This type of treatment involves a very low dosage of insecticide as it is not intended to leave a residual deposit.
For aircraft disinsection, WHO currently recommends d-phenothrin (2%) for space spraying and permethrin (2%) for residual disinsection (WHO, 2005b).
Homepage of U.S. Department of Transportation
"Although the Report of the Informal Consultation on Aircraft Disinsection sponsored by the World Health Organization (November 6-10, 1995) concluded that aircraft disinsection, if performed appropriately, would not present a risk to human health, the report also noted that some individuals may experience transient discomfort following aircraft disinsection by aerosol application. "
"However, asthma sufferers are among those who should be aware of such "transient discomfort." In 2010 the International Society of Travel Medicine published a detailed report on this topic. "
As with most things in life, we wont be able to get a immediate clear answer on this topic. Until there is scientific evidence if this is indeed poisoning us, I am looking to find ways to not expose myself to space spraying.
So the two things I am going to do right now is:
1.) Fly direct, avoid connection flights
2.) Fly less
3.) Using a mask
If anybody has more information on this topic, post a comment !
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I get on the tomato juice right away. I love salt.
haha, yeah i like it too. will soon post something you will like if you like tomato juice
oh yeah, tomato juice i a MUST on every flight!
I got sick of zika and chikungunya.
It is not a disease deadly
Really. Why dont you write a post about it. I think it might be of interest to many
Ok i write
Ready @knozaki2015
https://steemit.com/medical/@jeison/what-is-the-zika-and-how-can-i-prevent-it
I always hate flying due to all the centralized security precautions. I don't like anything centralized.
I also hate Chemical sprays to deter bugs from spreading disease.
Something about agent orange that doesn't seem like something I want to bathe in :-/
totally agree. i bought a 3M mask now. i think a gas mask is a bit overkill
Can you elaborate on what airlines are using it?
they are trying to kill bugs. so the bugs wont spread to other countries. or mosquitos. so they dont spread malaria and zika etc.
I understand that, but I mean: all airlines do this or not?
the spray is not used by all airlines. its used on different routes. i have seen this going to dubai or the usa before. or in asia they did it too. if you have a flight you can call the airline and ask them about spraying
Almost every one that I have been on. It is usually international flights though. I've noticed it when flying from the UK to the US and Canada and back. Also from UK to Asia and back. Not on flights within Europe (or at least I don't remember it) but Brexit may change that for UK travellers.
yes us and asia are doing it a lot...
I'm going within the US next month. I'll keep an eye out for theses sprays. Good info.
Yes please report
i havent been in a plane flight for the last year and i dont plan to :P but thanks, i will get a mask, too
I dont know if the mask helps. But i got one anyway
I think regular mask do not help.... It is need mask for special purpose which farmer use when spray it :)
i dont think it will be ok to take these on bord ;)
I guess tht is only the top of the iceberg, just imagine what else we are bieng expossed to?
yeah one advice. if you fly. dont eat that crap they are feeding you in the plane. that food is pumped with salt and stuff to preserve the food for long times..
i once visited a kitchen producing food for airlines , they let me try that food on the ground. you cant eat it, so much salt !!
Usually when i get to aplane (and i fly more than an average person), im starivg... I know the advice seems good, but damn it...
I was recently offered a contract with a company that makes airplane food
yeah. i know. but that stuff in the plane is really bad.
i always try to eat outside the airports , or at home before i take a redeye
I suffer from the atopic triad "Asthma, Hayfever and Eczema" - that spray irritates my breathing and eyes and nose.
I didn't realise it contained pesticides I thought it was just some kind of antibacterial spray (which I think aren't necessarily useful either).
This is more alarming and would explain my reaction. Sadly there is no way to be sure to avoid it despite your suggestions.
I suspect this will only gain attention as a problem when someone dies from anaphylactic shock or massive asthma attack (and even then only if they ascertain it was due to the pesticide which might be hard to prove).
Yes unfortunately without a major incident they wont stop
I know I would have reacted to that, having allergies and eczema... Thanks for the heads up!
you are welcome buddy
yep! pretty crazy stuff ;)