Further news on the toxic air in planes reported today.
The research states that pilots, cabin crew and sometimes passengers can develop nervous system symptoms – such as tremors, unsteadiness and memory loss – after flying on commercial aircraft. However, because of its sporadic nature, the problem so far remains poorly defined. Some people question if it is a real illness.
The report states that “toxins – known as organophosphates” have been identified in the blood and fat of a group of pilots. This finding provides a possible clue as to the cause of the health problems and can be a step towards better defining and understanding the syndrome.
He goes on to say that many people think of pesticides when they hear the term, because a large class of commonly used insecticides are called “organophosphates.” However, the organophosphate chemical in question here is tricresyl phosphate. The substance is not an insecticide. Instead, its chemical properties make it a desirable lubricant additive to hydraulic fluid and engine oil for aircraft.
It is suspected that the tricresyl phosphate enters the cockpit and cabin from air that passes through the engines, which is called bleed air. Normally bleed air is safe to breathe. But if heated oil or hydraulic fluid leaks from the engines, the vapors can enter the plane's air supply, exposing those aboard to the tricresyl phosphate and other fumes. This may be particularly unhealthy, especially for those who spend a lot of time on airplanes.
If you wish to be find out more about what you can do to counter this potential threat to your health then contact info@passport4health.co.uk.
Thursday 22 October 2009
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Aerotoxic syndrome
An article reported today in The Telegraph shows fresh concerns regarding air in the cockpit.
A study on 18 pilots carried out by Peter Julu, a consultant neurophysiologist, has found fresh links between fume contamination and chronic medical problems. It is the latest research to be carried out on a phenomenon known as "aerotoxic syndrome" which, campaigners say, could affect 200,000 British travellers a year.
Dr Julu's research comes ahead of the publication of a comprehensive study commissioned by the Department for Transport, which is being carried out by Helen Muir of Cranfield University.
Campaigners believe that the threat to crew and passengers is caused by contaminated air from the engines seeping into the aircraft cabin.
American research on 26 pilots discovered organophosphates in their blood and fatty tissue.
Dr Julu, whose research group included nine participants in the American study, said he found evidence of neurological damage caused by chemical contamination. Complaints from passengers and pilots have included nausea and dizziness both during and after air travel.
However the extent of the problem is still a matter of debate, with the Government's committee on toxicity believing that passengers on one in 2,000 flights could be exposed to toxins in cabin air.
Pilots had reported bad smells or what they believed was contaminated air on a number of aircraft including the Boeing 757, Airbus 319 and BAe 146. However the plane manufacturers deny their aircraft are putting the health of those that fly at risk.
The Committee on Toxicity in its report in 2007, following an extensive review with broad stakeholder input, concluded that there was no evidence that cabin air in general or following fume events causes ill health in aircrew."
So where does that leave the crew and passengers? There is nothing you can do to change the air in the cabin but you can ensure that your body is able to process any potential toxins in the most efficient manner. There is a simple correction that can improve this - contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk.
You can also ensure that you drink plenty of water - the lungs require water to function properly - and take a good multivitamin and mineral to give your body the nutrition it needs to deal with these toxins.
A study on 18 pilots carried out by Peter Julu, a consultant neurophysiologist, has found fresh links between fume contamination and chronic medical problems. It is the latest research to be carried out on a phenomenon known as "aerotoxic syndrome" which, campaigners say, could affect 200,000 British travellers a year.
Dr Julu's research comes ahead of the publication of a comprehensive study commissioned by the Department for Transport, which is being carried out by Helen Muir of Cranfield University.
Campaigners believe that the threat to crew and passengers is caused by contaminated air from the engines seeping into the aircraft cabin.
American research on 26 pilots discovered organophosphates in their blood and fatty tissue.
Dr Julu, whose research group included nine participants in the American study, said he found evidence of neurological damage caused by chemical contamination. Complaints from passengers and pilots have included nausea and dizziness both during and after air travel.
However the extent of the problem is still a matter of debate, with the Government's committee on toxicity believing that passengers on one in 2,000 flights could be exposed to toxins in cabin air.
Pilots had reported bad smells or what they believed was contaminated air on a number of aircraft including the Boeing 757, Airbus 319 and BAe 146. However the plane manufacturers deny their aircraft are putting the health of those that fly at risk.
The Committee on Toxicity in its report in 2007, following an extensive review with broad stakeholder input, concluded that there was no evidence that cabin air in general or following fume events causes ill health in aircrew."
So where does that leave the crew and passengers? There is nothing you can do to change the air in the cabin but you can ensure that your body is able to process any potential toxins in the most efficient manner. There is a simple correction that can improve this - contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk.
You can also ensure that you drink plenty of water - the lungs require water to function properly - and take a good multivitamin and mineral to give your body the nutrition it needs to deal with these toxins.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Toxic Air causes health problems?
Do you have any of the following conditions?
Case study 1 (age 36)
Illnesses: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, anaemia, pneumonia/bronchitis, asthma, infertility, chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression, multiple chemical disorder, eczema/psoriasis, IBS/Crohn's disease
"My health has become so bad over the last five years that I've only been able to work half the schedule that I used to. My doctor has attributed my illnesses to exposure to fumes and toxic chemicals on planes. I've been off work for eight months and my company has denied me compensation benefits. I'm about to lose my home."
Case study 2 (age 50)
Illnesses: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, anaemia, pneumonia/bronchitis, asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, thyroid disorder, multiple chemical disorder, breast cancer, osteoporosis, chronic sinusitis, tachycardia, peripheral nerve damage, obstructed lungs
"I had 12 years of ill health that was a mystery until I found out about contaminated air. My GP believes all my health problems have been caused by flying and has written 'Aerotoxic Syndrome' on my medical certificate. I have been on sick leave for over a year and my airline has threatened to terminate my contract on three occasions. "
Case study 3 (age 32)
Illnesses: Pneumonia/bronchitis, osteoarthritis
"I experience extreme fatigue after flying. I have ongoing sinus problems and an increase in cold and flu and I am convinced this is related to flying . I have noticed an impairment in simple mental processes such as memory, mental arithmetic and sometimes even finding the words to speak. Before I began flying I considered myself fairly intelligent and articulate."
Reports in the Telegraph this week highlight the problems with recirculating air into the cabin through the engines. The continues the concerns of the National Research Council in their book The Airliner Cabin Environment and the Health of Passengers and Crew which states that well maintained engines should not pose a problem. They go on to say that engines that are not well maintained are a different issue.
One of the main concerns is an organophosphate that is a neuro toxin. This basically screws with your brain and your nervous system. In someone who is in good health with no respiratory problems the body should be able to handle a small dose but anyone with a weakened immune system, weakened respiratory system or who is exposed on a regular basis will start to show health problems.
Even one dose may be enough for someone who's chemical make-up means that their body processes the organophosphate really ineffectively.
It is really difficult to protect against inhalents but one thing that will improve your risk is to ensure that your body is processing any organophosphate in the most effective way possible. This can be done with a Passport4Health treatment.
For more information see our website www.passport4health.co.uk or contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk.
"Look after your body, it's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn
Case study 1 (age 36)
Illnesses: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, anaemia, pneumonia/bronchitis, asthma, infertility, chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression, multiple chemical disorder, eczema/psoriasis, IBS/Crohn's disease
"My health has become so bad over the last five years that I've only been able to work half the schedule that I used to. My doctor has attributed my illnesses to exposure to fumes and toxic chemicals on planes. I've been off work for eight months and my company has denied me compensation benefits. I'm about to lose my home."
Case study 2 (age 50)
Illnesses: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, anaemia, pneumonia/bronchitis, asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, thyroid disorder, multiple chemical disorder, breast cancer, osteoporosis, chronic sinusitis, tachycardia, peripheral nerve damage, obstructed lungs
"I had 12 years of ill health that was a mystery until I found out about contaminated air. My GP believes all my health problems have been caused by flying and has written 'Aerotoxic Syndrome' on my medical certificate. I have been on sick leave for over a year and my airline has threatened to terminate my contract on three occasions. "
Case study 3 (age 32)
Illnesses: Pneumonia/bronchitis, osteoarthritis
"I experience extreme fatigue after flying. I have ongoing sinus problems and an increase in cold and flu and I am convinced this is related to flying . I have noticed an impairment in simple mental processes such as memory, mental arithmetic and sometimes even finding the words to speak. Before I began flying I considered myself fairly intelligent and articulate."
Reports in the Telegraph this week highlight the problems with recirculating air into the cabin through the engines. The continues the concerns of the National Research Council in their book The Airliner Cabin Environment and the Health of Passengers and Crew which states that well maintained engines should not pose a problem. They go on to say that engines that are not well maintained are a different issue.
One of the main concerns is an organophosphate that is a neuro toxin. This basically screws with your brain and your nervous system. In someone who is in good health with no respiratory problems the body should be able to handle a small dose but anyone with a weakened immune system, weakened respiratory system or who is exposed on a regular basis will start to show health problems.
Even one dose may be enough for someone who's chemical make-up means that their body processes the organophosphate really ineffectively.
It is really difficult to protect against inhalents but one thing that will improve your risk is to ensure that your body is processing any organophosphate in the most effective way possible. This can be done with a Passport4Health treatment.
For more information see our website www.passport4health.co.uk or contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk.
"Look after your body, it's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn
"...don't let your health fly away, we provide a safe landing"
Thursday 16 July 2009
Increased risk of cataracts
A recent article highlighted again the increased risk that pilots have over developing cataracts. The article - on MedCastle - listed the factors that increase the risk as follows:
Age
Close relatives who have/had cataracts (family history)
Diabetes
Ionizing radiation exposure – airline pilots have an increased risk of nuclear cataracts compared with non-pilots, and that risk is associated with cumulative exposure to cosmic radiation, scientists from the University of Iceland reported.
Long-term exposure to bright sunlight
Long-term use of corticosteroids – many people with asthma rely on inhaled, and sometimes oral, steroids, as do people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A study conducted by the Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Australia, revealed that cataract risk is higher for patients taking these medications.
Previous eye inflammation
Previous eye injury
Exposure to lead – lifetime lead exposure may increase the risk of developing cataracts, scientists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, USA revealed.
Crystallins loss of function – A specific type of protein (crystallins) begins to lose function as the eye ages. As the protein loses function, small peptides, made of 10 to 15 amino acids, start forming and accelerate cataract formation in the eye, a study revealed
There are several ways to protect against this risk - one would be to take a specialist EyeCare product (BioCare do a good one), and to ensure that any stress around the eye area is dealt with by a passport4health practitioner, as well as wearing sunglasses when necessary and keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
If you want to find out more contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk
"....don't let your health fly away, we provide a safe landing."
Age
Close relatives who have/had cataracts (family history)
Diabetes
Ionizing radiation exposure – airline pilots have an increased risk of nuclear cataracts compared with non-pilots, and that risk is associated with cumulative exposure to cosmic radiation, scientists from the University of Iceland reported.
Long-term exposure to bright sunlight
Long-term use of corticosteroids – many people with asthma rely on inhaled, and sometimes oral, steroids, as do people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A study conducted by the Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Australia, revealed that cataract risk is higher for patients taking these medications.
Previous eye inflammation
Previous eye injury
Exposure to lead – lifetime lead exposure may increase the risk of developing cataracts, scientists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, USA revealed.
Crystallins loss of function – A specific type of protein (crystallins) begins to lose function as the eye ages. As the protein loses function, small peptides, made of 10 to 15 amino acids, start forming and accelerate cataract formation in the eye, a study revealed
There are several ways to protect against this risk - one would be to take a specialist EyeCare product (BioCare do a good one), and to ensure that any stress around the eye area is dealt with by a passport4health practitioner, as well as wearing sunglasses when necessary and keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
If you want to find out more contact us at info@passport4health.co.uk
"....don't let your health fly away, we provide a safe landing."
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Beat jet lag with a 30 minute workout
The following piece seen on the web yesterday gives a 30 minute workout to help beat jet lag and also repeats the information on what food to eat to keep you alert.
Jon Denoris, a fitness expert and consultant at Club 51 in Marylebone, specialises in helping business people get the most out of themselves through fitness and nutrition.“I work with a lot of people who can’t afford to suffer from jet lag,” he says. “I’ve found that 30 minutes is the magic time period to get people in the best shape possible for the day.
It needs to be done as close to arrival time as possible, and in daylight, as natural light combined with exercise is a powerful resynchroniser.”Denoris finds that a brisk aerobic workout – depending on how fit you are – is the most effective way of stimulating catecholamines, the hormones that bolster alertness.
You don’t have to be a regular gym-goer to reap the benefits of Denoris’s programmes. One, which caters to business travellers that complain they never see the cities they travel to, is called Beat Me Back. You walk 15-20 minutes away from your hotel, then retrace your steps, trying to return faster than you walked out.
If you’re going to use the unfamiliar hotel gym, Denoris has created an easy programme called 4,5,6 Reverse. You walk in, choose three cardio machines, and do four minutes on the first, five on the second, six on the third; then reverse and repeat, with six minutes on the first and so on. Do this twice and you’ve kept it interesting for yourself and your muscles, and fit a 30-minute cardio workout in.
Finally, interval training is the most intense and effective: warm up for five minutes, then alternate periods of five minutes high with five minutes low intensity for a total of 30 minutes. You can sprint round the park, or treadmill, or even swim for life in the pool.
To supplement your daily 30-minute cardio workout, Denoris recommends thinking about diet too. A carbohydrate-based meal can help induce sleep, while protein-based meals wake you up and will help with alertness. If you’re flying in from a night flight, go for bacon, eggs and yogurt for breakfast. If you need to sleep, go for pasta. “You can never eliminate jet lag,” reminds Denoris. “But combining exercise with the right mix of protein and carbs can make a big difference.”
For more information on jet lag and how to stay healthy whilst flying regularly go to www.passport4health.co.uk.
"...don't let your health fly away. We provide a safe landing."
Jon Denoris, a fitness expert and consultant at Club 51 in Marylebone, specialises in helping business people get the most out of themselves through fitness and nutrition.“I work with a lot of people who can’t afford to suffer from jet lag,” he says. “I’ve found that 30 minutes is the magic time period to get people in the best shape possible for the day.
It needs to be done as close to arrival time as possible, and in daylight, as natural light combined with exercise is a powerful resynchroniser.”Denoris finds that a brisk aerobic workout – depending on how fit you are – is the most effective way of stimulating catecholamines, the hormones that bolster alertness.
You don’t have to be a regular gym-goer to reap the benefits of Denoris’s programmes. One, which caters to business travellers that complain they never see the cities they travel to, is called Beat Me Back. You walk 15-20 minutes away from your hotel, then retrace your steps, trying to return faster than you walked out.
If you’re going to use the unfamiliar hotel gym, Denoris has created an easy programme called 4,5,6 Reverse. You walk in, choose three cardio machines, and do four minutes on the first, five on the second, six on the third; then reverse and repeat, with six minutes on the first and so on. Do this twice and you’ve kept it interesting for yourself and your muscles, and fit a 30-minute cardio workout in.
Finally, interval training is the most intense and effective: warm up for five minutes, then alternate periods of five minutes high with five minutes low intensity for a total of 30 minutes. You can sprint round the park, or treadmill, or even swim for life in the pool.
To supplement your daily 30-minute cardio workout, Denoris recommends thinking about diet too. A carbohydrate-based meal can help induce sleep, while protein-based meals wake you up and will help with alertness. If you’re flying in from a night flight, go for bacon, eggs and yogurt for breakfast. If you need to sleep, go for pasta. “You can never eliminate jet lag,” reminds Denoris. “But combining exercise with the right mix of protein and carbs can make a big difference.”
For more information on jet lag and how to stay healthy whilst flying regularly go to www.passport4health.co.uk.
"...don't let your health fly away. We provide a safe landing."
Thursday 18 June 2009
Rest periods need to be longer between flights for crew
In the US this week the FAA have admitted that the 40 year old rules that govern how long pilots can fly before they rest needs to change. They also state that wages need to be increased to ensure that the best calibre of people are employed as pilots. The article (in full below) goes on to state that if the FAA don't change their rules then Congress should do it for them when it re-authorises the agency later this year.
If you are finding that the number of hours you are flying are making you increasingly tired then a Passport4Health check can ensure that you are back working at the top of your game. Safer for you and your passengers.
Contact info@passport4health.co.uk or see www.passport4health.co.uk for more information.
... don't let your health fly away, we provide a safe landing.
Published: June 16, 2009
The crash near Buffalo of a commuter plane operated by Colgan Air earlier this year killed 50 people and revealed troubling gaps in the nation’s air-safety regulations. Federal officials need to rewrite the decades-old rules that govern how long pilots can fly before they rest.
Federal investigators have good reason to believe that fatigue played a central role in the Buffalo crash. The first officer had flown all night from her home near Seattle to the airport in Newark where the flight originated. The pilot had flown in from Florida and showed signs of fatigue on the cockpit voice recorder.
Since the crash, reports have emerged of poorly paid commuter pilots who hopscotch across the country to work and sleep wherever they can. They sometimes sack out in lounge chairs in airports or on the floors of planes or even in their cars.
The Federal Aviation Administration says that the Colgan crew was working within the existing guidelines that specify how much rest pilots must have between shifts. But those rules were written in the 1940s when we knew far less about the effect of fatigue on concentration than we know today.
Earlier this week, the chief of the F.A.A., J. Randolph Babbitt, said that the rules did not take into account the strain that pilots endure with multiple daily flights, which are sometimes topped by transcontinental commutes to work. Mr. Babbitt also noted that the commuter airlines were not going to get the best professionals with starting salaries of $24,000 a year.
The airline industry has long resisted changes in the rules that govern flight and duty hours. But the picture that has emerged since the Colgan crash shows that commuter pilots are flying too much, sleeping too little and placing passengers at risk. If the F.A.A. does not quickly change the rules, Congress should write new rules when it reauthorizes the agency this year.
If you are finding that the number of hours you are flying are making you increasingly tired then a Passport4Health check can ensure that you are back working at the top of your game. Safer for you and your passengers.
Contact info@passport4health.co.uk or see www.passport4health.co.uk for more information.
... don't let your health fly away, we provide a safe landing.
Published: June 16, 2009
The crash near Buffalo of a commuter plane operated by Colgan Air earlier this year killed 50 people and revealed troubling gaps in the nation’s air-safety regulations. Federal officials need to rewrite the decades-old rules that govern how long pilots can fly before they rest.
Federal investigators have good reason to believe that fatigue played a central role in the Buffalo crash. The first officer had flown all night from her home near Seattle to the airport in Newark where the flight originated. The pilot had flown in from Florida and showed signs of fatigue on the cockpit voice recorder.
Since the crash, reports have emerged of poorly paid commuter pilots who hopscotch across the country to work and sleep wherever they can. They sometimes sack out in lounge chairs in airports or on the floors of planes or even in their cars.
The Federal Aviation Administration says that the Colgan crew was working within the existing guidelines that specify how much rest pilots must have between shifts. But those rules were written in the 1940s when we knew far less about the effect of fatigue on concentration than we know today.
Earlier this week, the chief of the F.A.A., J. Randolph Babbitt, said that the rules did not take into account the strain that pilots endure with multiple daily flights, which are sometimes topped by transcontinental commutes to work. Mr. Babbitt also noted that the commuter airlines were not going to get the best professionals with starting salaries of $24,000 a year.
The airline industry has long resisted changes in the rules that govern flight and duty hours. But the picture that has emerged since the Colgan crash shows that commuter pilots are flying too much, sleeping too little and placing passengers at risk. If the F.A.A. does not quickly change the rules, Congress should write new rules when it reauthorizes the agency this year.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Swine flu and what you can do
Two lovely pieces in last week's Daily Telegraph which brings this story more into perspective.
Firstly they reported on the advice from the Chinese health minister.
The Chinese have been recommended to take star anise. This is a spice that the Chinese use anyway and interestingly it is one of the key raw ingredients in the main anti-viral drug (Tamiflu) used to combat the virus.
So if you are worried about catching swine flu then take star anise in supplement form or use it in your cooking. If you have never heard of it it is one of the ingredients in 5 Spice Powder which is more commonly known as a Chinese flavouring. If you want to buy the supplement then please email me and I can arrange it for you.
Secondly there was a report from one of the children who have been confirmed as having swine flu. The 12 year old said that it was no worse than having a bad cold!!
This confirms really that unless you are already ill and therefore immune compromised in some way there really is very little to worry about. Virtually all the people that died in Mexico (where it has apparently ceased spreading) were poor and and would have had low levels of immunity from poor diet and chemical overload - they spray chemicals liberally in many parts of Mexico.
Firstly they reported on the advice from the Chinese health minister.
The Chinese have been recommended to take star anise. This is a spice that the Chinese use anyway and interestingly it is one of the key raw ingredients in the main anti-viral drug (Tamiflu) used to combat the virus.
So if you are worried about catching swine flu then take star anise in supplement form or use it in your cooking. If you have never heard of it it is one of the ingredients in 5 Spice Powder which is more commonly known as a Chinese flavouring. If you want to buy the supplement then please email me and I can arrange it for you.
Secondly there was a report from one of the children who have been confirmed as having swine flu. The 12 year old said that it was no worse than having a bad cold!!
This confirms really that unless you are already ill and therefore immune compromised in some way there really is very little to worry about. Virtually all the people that died in Mexico (where it has apparently ceased spreading) were poor and and would have had low levels of immunity from poor diet and chemical overload - they spray chemicals liberally in many parts of Mexico.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)