Various Topics on Alternative Medicine

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Aircraft air quality is a real problem for millions of travelers and
thousands of airline employees. More than a year ago, a report from
the National Research Council found evidence suggesting that a
number of problems with the air circulating in p***enger cabins may
cause health problems. The report listed concerns that ozone levels
in the cabin air may exceed regulatory standards, that oxygen
pressure may not be adequate to protect p***engers with pre-existing
heart or respiratory diseases and that the air may be contaminated
with traces of engine oil, hydraulic fluid, de-icing solutions, and
even pesticides sprayed on international flights.

Not surprisingly, those most affected are flight attendants and
other crew members, some of whom have been complaining for years
about headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and other health
problems which they attribute to poor quality cabin air. Two years
ago, Alaska Airlines flight attendants won a $725,000 out-of-court
settlement based on their contention that design flaws in two types
of planes the airline flies had allowed chemical fluids to mix with
cabin air and make them sick. However, the flight attendants lost a
subsequent suit against the planes' manufacturers.

The aircraft air quality issue may not be satisfactorily resolved
without public pressure on the FAA and Congress for better
regulation of this important aspect of air travel. In the meantime,
purchasing a portable personal air purifier may make plane trips
more comfortable for you. You can find a number of products on the
Internet and in catalogs, but I'm not familiar enough with any to
make a specific recommendation. Be sure to check with the flight
crew before using any portable electronic device while in flight.

If you travel by air frequently, another option I can suggest is an
expensive one: fly first cl*** if you can upgrade. The first-cl***
cabin provides more outside air per person. You also may feel better
during and after air travel if you avoid alcohol during flights,
drink plenty of water, and consider taking an immune-boosting herb
such as Echinacea or astragalus before you get on the plane.

Dr. Andrew Weil

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"Tim Campbell" <timcall@sbcglobal.net>

> The report listed concerns that ozone levels
> in the cabin air may exceed regulatory standards, that oxygen
> pressure may not be adequate to protect p***engers with pre-existing
> heart or respiratory diseases

Who are told to consult their phsyician and carry supplemental O2 if
necessary.

< snip rest of off-topic hype >

moo