HL Deb 16 June 1998 vol 590 cc133-4WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by the Baroness Hayman on 4 June (HL Deb, col. 468), what is their response to recent reports about poor and deteriorating in-flight air quality, particularly the oxygen content of such air; and what plans they have to undertake research into any harmful effect this may have on the consumer. [HL2169]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)

There is no evidence to suggest that air quality on aircraft is in any way deteriorating. Even when the air conditioning is set at its lowest level, the air in a modern aircraft cabin is completely changed every 3 minutes on average. This is well above the standard for public buildings.

All cabin air is taken from the external atmosphere, and there is no added oxygen. The degree of recirculation is determined by the aircraft designer and in some cases may be adjusted by the crew. The oxygen used by passengers is a small proportion, approximately 5 per cent. of the oxygen supplied at the minimum flow rate. The oxygen level in cabin air therefore remains at around 20 per cent. for the duration of a flight, which is virtually the same as normal atmospheric oxygen levels.

The air pressure in aircrafts in flight is roughly equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at 8,000 feet above sea level. People with some chronic respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchiolitis may be affected by the lower air pressure in aircraft and could require supplementary oxygen. They are advised to consult their own doctor and the airline before flying. Lower air pressure will not affect those with well controlled asthma but stress or anxiety caused by travel could precipitate an attack.

There is no proven link between cabin air quality, flow rates and the spread of disease. The filters used in most modern aircraft are similar to those used in critical wards of hospitals, operating theatres and burn units, and provide protection against the circulation of biological agents such as viruses. We have no plans to conduct any research into this issue at present.