Ozone in Airplanes May Cause Interaction

U.S. and Danish researchers said bad air airline passengers and crews complain of may be caused by the mix of the oils on skin, hair and clothing and ozone.

The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, suggests interactions between oils and ozone could lead to the formation of chemical byproducts linked to nasal irritation, headaches, dry eyes and lips and other air traveler complaints.

Two groups of 16 volunteers — in an airline cabin mock up — were exposed to levels of ozone and air flow simulating a four-hour flight, identifiable chemical byproducts including aldehyde compounds associated with sick building syndrome were consistently formed.

More than half of the byproducts were the result of reactions with skin, hair and clothing, said the study’s lead author, Charles Weschler, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.

The role of these byproducts in the adverse health effects that have been associated with ozone is, at present, unknown, Weschler said in a statement. If these oxidation products are demonstrated to be harmful, simple steps can be taken to reduce their production in aircraft and buildings. For instance, installing ozone-destroying catalysts in airplane ventilation systems can help remove most of the ozone from incoming air.