Lack of oxygen “harming air passengers"

Air passengers’ health is being put at risk through a lack of oxygen in aircraft cabins, according to scientists. Researchers in Belfast found that, for more than half of passengers, levels drop so low that they would normally be prescribed extra oxygen by many hospital doctors. According to the Daily Mail, reporting research published in the medical journal Anaesthesia, average oxygen saturation levels were 97 per cent; at altitude the average fell to 93 per cent. Anaesthetic specialist registrar Dr Susan Humphreys is quoted as saying: “We believe that these falling oxygen levels, together with factors such as dehydration, immobility and low humidity, could contribute to illness during and after flights. This has become a greater problem in recent years as modern aeroplanes are able to cruise at much higher altitudes.” Dr Humphreys reportedly added that a lack of oxygen can result in impaired mental performance and shortness of breath, as well as worsening conditions including angina and breathing problems. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com