HL Deb 11 November 2004 vol 666 c100WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any proposals to improve the quality of air on long-distance flights taking off and landing at British airports, in particular in economy class and with specific reference to the gaseous and water content of the air, its temperature and bacterial and viral filtration. [HL4805]

Lord Davies of Oldham

Recent international research into aircraft air quality, incuding an extension specifically commissioned by the Government, provided no grounds for concluding that an improvement was needed. Environmental systems on modern aircraft are such that the amounts of oxygen and the oxides of carbon are maintained at levels which do not pose a threat to the health of air passengers and crew. Similarly, the high efficiency particulate air filters used in most modern aircraft are very effective in removing infectious microbiolgical particles. Cabin temperature is controlled from the flight deck and is normally maintained in the range of 22 to 24°C. Low humidity is a characteristic of aircraft cabin air and although not harmful, some passengers find it uncomfortable. Drinking water is always available on aircraft.