The Canary Report

26 Responses to “Air travel and chemical sensitivity”

1. 

   Sandy
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   Hmmm….I would think they use pesticides on all the planes. Am I wrong?

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2. 

   Kimberly Shaw
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   Sandy,

   This website has an updated list of which flights are sprayed:
   http://ashsd.afacwa.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=1171

   Some planes that are used internationally are also used domestically, so they may contain pesticide.
   “Passengers flying on US domestic flights may find themselves on an airliner that has recently been sprayed. United Airlines, for example, treats all of its 747-400 aircraft in Hong Kong. These aircraft are not restricted to the South Pacific routes; they are simply scheduled to fly to Australia or New Zealand during the next 56 days, but in the meantime, can be flown on both international and domestic routes.” From: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/pesticide-action-network-updates-service.html

   I once was exposed to pesticide on a domestic flight, because the plane had been recently used for an international flight that was sprayed. After that I started verifying information about the flight I’d be on and suggest anyone concerned about pesticides do the same.

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3. 

   CatherineWO
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   Thank you for this information. I was particularly interested in your comment about flying first class. Planes flying in and out of Montana (where I live) are almost all small (less than 100 passenger seats) and, if they do have a first class section, it is differentiated from the other seats only by a curtain, and there are only eight or twelve seats in this section. My experience is that people who sit in this section tend to wear more perfume. I had one bad experience with a couple of women on one flight who were sitting in first class, so every since then I have preferred to sit in the back of the plane. I find that on these smaller planes (most that fly out of Helena carry about 46 passengers), I am safest in a window seat in about the second or third row from the back. Few flights out of here are full and most people (at least in Montana) prefer to sit near the front, so I usually get a seat by myself in the back. Of course, the rest room is also in the back, so people walk by during the flight, but these are short flights so people are less inclined to use the rest room at all.

   You are brave to take long flights. I have done so in the past, but have become more caucious. My brother lives in Hawaii and I would love to go visit. Do you have any suggestions as to what time of day is better to fly? Are some airlines better than other?

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4. 

   Julie Genser
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   Great post Kimberly! I didn’t realize you could bring food and drink on planes again. Did they relax security regulations recently? That would be great for those of us with severe food restrictions.

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5. 

   Kimberly Shaw
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   Julie,

   You can bring any food and drinks on the plane you buy at the airport AFTER you go through security. You can also bring certain food items with you through security. You cannot bring liquids and gel items through security. I bring organic fruits and veggies and buy water after going through security. I also carry a letter from one of my doctors stating that I have food allergies and need to bring my own food, just in case. I have never had to use the letter.

   I should also note that certain places have agricultural inspections, like in Hawaii. I bought some organic apples while in Hawaii, the apples were actually from the mainland, but I could not take them on my flight back to Arizona (so, I ate them at the airport!). I have never had an issues with any fruits flying from Arizona to other states though.

   For more on traveling with food, here is the TSA site:
   http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/holiday.shtm

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6. 

   Harry Clark
   

   20. Sep, 2009

   great article Kimberly, very useful indeed.may I link to it form my forum site?
   Harry

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7. 

   Susie Collins
   

   21. Sep, 2009

   Yes, of course, Harry, go right ahead.

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8. 

   Kimberly Shaw
   

   21. Sep, 2009

   Catherine,

   It is good to figure out what seats work best for you! Smaller planes are indeed a challenge, but thankfully they often shorter flights!

   As for time of day, that IS a good question! Not sure I have an answer, but I can share my personal observations. Morning flights – people have often just put on their scented products. Late night flights – most people are sleeping, so not as many walking around and using the restroom (sometimes the restrooms are so scented…if you sit close by…every time the door opens you smell it yet again). I try and find the less crowded flights.

   I do think some airlines are better than others, but that statement is only based on my personal experience. It would be great to actually test planes for chemical residues and rate them!

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9. 

   Ruth
   

   23. Sep, 2009

   Kiberly, have you found that you need to wear your mask while flying? Most people I speak with are surprised that I don’t wear one at all. I’ve found that the charcoal inside of them gives me a reaction, so I go without. I’ve had people say “you can fly?” I am cautious, but will try many different things, and so far have been able to fly quite a bit. What I react to, usually, is coming back to a toxic apartment building afterwards!

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10. 

    Ruth
    

    23. Sep, 2009

    So sorry, your name didn’t come out right there!

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11. 

    Leslie
    

    24. Sep, 2009

    I haven’t flown in a plane is 8 years – but when I did it gave me nausea and headaches – the plane is full of fire retardants PLUS everyone’s products- ya’ll are so lucky you can fly! What kind of mask is needed on a plane to filter the air properly?

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12. 

    Kimberly Shaw
    

    24. Sep, 2009

    Ruth, the carbon in masks does bother me, but often it is the lesser of two (or three or four or more) evils. Glad to hear you are able to fly without one!

    Leslie, I totally relate to the headaches and nausea! I do think it is extremely challenging for someone with severe MCS to travel by plane (if not near impossible)! There are a myriad of potential exposures! I do feel blessed to be able to fly, there were times in the past I would not have been able to. As for a mask, I’ll be the first to admit, I have not found the perfect one! I do best with organic cotton masks, but they do not filter much. To filter fragrances, scented products, smoke, chemicals and fine particles, I have to use one with an activated carbon filter. This last trip, I used an I Can Breathe Mask (honeycomb mask with activated carbon filter) from Needs.com (or http://www.icanbreathe.com). I have tried to put their carbon filter in the organic mask, but then it is just hard to breathe. When I first purchased the I Can Breathe Mask, I set the frame outside to air out and then I washed it many times in baking soda. (I doubt these masks would work well for most with extremely severe MCS.)

    I should mention I am not normally a mask person! I RARELY ever wear them. I figure if it requires a mask to be somewhere, I should not be there. However, sometimes life requires one. I carry one in my purse for emergency situations (sudden exposure to something while away from home). I have found them helpful for airline travel! Not only for the chemicals, but also germs. It used to be every time I traveled, I became sick. Thankfully, that has not been the case for the last several years.

    If I had time for a new project, I’d try to design pretty organic masks with some sort of filter that worked well!

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13. 

    Claudia
    

    01. Oct, 2009

    Kimberly, Thank you so much for this well written, informative article. I wasn’t aware of the pesticides. I have bookmarked it, for future reference.

    The last time I flew, was in 2006, just before I realized that I had MCS. I was so sick on the plane, and made the mistake of mentioning it to the steward. He tried his darnedest to get me off the plane, but I refused, as the entire trip was a nightmare. And all I wanted and needed to do was get home, where I could recuperate.

    Knowing, now, what I do, I would have to have a mask that really fits well, before I could fly. I have tried several different masks, but can’t seem to find one that doesn’t leak. So, I find myself getting sick within minutes of going into a toxic environment.

    Claudia

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14. 

    Elizabeth
    

    11. Oct, 2009

    Thanks for such great information!. Please, where did you stay in HI, or does anyone out there know inexpensive safe accommodations in or near Waikiki?

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15. 

    Kimberly Shaw
    

    11. Oct, 2009

    Claudia, finding a mask that works is important. Sorry to hear you had such a difficult flight.

    Elizabeth, my husband travels a lot for work, so he gets hotel points and we often use these when we travel. We let housekeeping know to use no chemicals and we air the room out well when we arrive. (My husband is wonderful about calling ahead and making sure there is no new carpet, paint, construction,recent pesticide used and that no cleaning chemicals are used.) I bring an air purifier (works in both rental car and hotel room). We have the windows open and seem to spend most of the time away from the hotel out by the ocean. I realize this does not work for many with MCS. I have stayed at many hotels in the Waikiki area (please email me if you have questions about a property there), but when I visit O’ahu, I prefer to stay on the windward side in private rentals. The air is much better over there and much less traffic. We have had great success in using VRBO ( http://www.vrbo.com ) and emailing the owners and explaining MCS, many are willing to wash all linens in baking soda before arrival. If they do not seem to understand our concerns in a phone call or email, we do not rent from them.

    Also, I own and use the Green Lodging Directory for the Chemically Sensitive ( http://www.safertraveldirectory.com/ ). Sometimes it is helpful in finding a safer place to stay.

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16. 

    Bobby
    

    12. Oct, 2009

    Elizabeth: All regular hotels in Hawaii pesticide because of the bugs. I’ve tried placing people in the middle of the night is anything to get away from spraying and have never had any luck finding anything. Your best bet is to check on B&B’s. You might find one that doesn’t spray but ask about neighbors. Pesticides are rampant in Hawaii.

    As for the spraying on planes: Previously they would come through the cabins with bug bombs and spray everyone (where the countries demanded it). Now they residual spray: meaning they do it before everyone boards so you are essentially sitting in pesticides on all planes. There aren’t any airlines I know of that dedicate one particular plane to one particular route. They have to rotate planes due to maintanence demands.

    Also all major airlines spray for Japanese Beetles during the summer time, thus restricting animals from being transported, although, not human beings with the air being recirculated. Yes, truly amazing!

    One thing everyone needs to know is you can ask for oxygen at any time during a flight if you are having difficulty breathing. If your doctor asks for it before flight you have to have your doctor contact the airline doctor, fill out paperwork and pay for it. Asking for it during the flight they have to give it to you. One caveat: you have to use their equipment (ie can’t use your own porcelain canula or non-toxic tubing), which is toxic plastic but sometimes you just have to do it.

    There is a flight attendant who lives in Maui who became EI because of the pesticides on her Australia/New Zealand route. She wrote a book “Jet Smart”. Her website is http://www.flyana.com She also did consultations, not sure if she still does. Haven’t spoken to her in quite a while. I personally used a mask with a cotton wet handkerchief inside (the charcoal bothered my lungs). It sort of works but not totally.

    One other major problem is bleed air. That’s the cabin air that is drawn through the jets. If there is an oil leak then the entire cabin becomes contaminated and there is no escaping the horrific air for the entire flight. There are groups fighting for a re-make of this riduculous design but in the meantime, if you are smelling a heavy oil smell during the flight, it’s the engine. Can’t think of anything else at this time. Will post if I do.

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17. 

    Robyn
    

    29. Dec, 2009

    All these comments have been most interesting to read. I haven’t been on a plane since 1977, way before I developed chemical sensitivities. Needless to say I am extremely nervous at the thought of even getting in a plane. The other day I was in the car with my husband, son and daughter-in-law and d-i-l was eating something that smelt very chocolatey and I thought I was going to choke. I was too embarrassed to say anything but fortunately was able to open the air vents to dissipate the smell. Common things such as perfumes, some paints, new carpets and new cars are among the many things that affect me. I’d love to go for a plane trip but am absolutely terrified of being trapped thousands of feet up in the air, particulary as I have previously had an anaphylactic reaction. Thank you all for taking the time to read this lengthy piece. It’s just so good to find people in the same situation.

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18. 

    Tristan
    

    04. Jan, 2010

    Just saw this thread and wanted to give some tips. Always call the airline BEFOREHAND and tell them you have a medical condition so it’s documented. This way, the stewardesses will be on the alert and move you if someone sits close to you reeking of fragrance. While MCS still hasn’t been accepted at large and some poo-poo it, tell them you have severe allergies and asthma and fragrances and cleaning products set it off. Trust me, they’ll take you seriously. Carry your meds and by all means, stay calm. With hotels, you can also call ahead and request a fragrance-free one. Most hotel chains reserve a few rooms where scents are not used. Carpet fresheners are the worst offenders, so make sure they’re not just talking about not spraying air-wick. Instead of hotels I like to find apartments on craigslist to rent for my travels. I’ve only had great experiences. I look for places without cats, with hardwood floors and make sure the people use organic cleaning products and no synthetic fragrances. Hope this helps.

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19. 

    Susie Collins
    

    04. Jan, 2010

    Robyn and Tristan, thanks much for your input. Flying is a huge stress on people with MCS. Bobby is a great source of info about how things work on board, she used to work for the airlines. Thanks, Bobby!

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20. 

    Julie Lloyd
    

    27. Jan, 2010

    I recently had to fly with no notice due to a death in the family. Consequently I was on the last flight out of Sydney. Amazingly I fared much better than usual. It dawned on me that the fragrances had pretty well worn off the passengers by the nightime. Now I’ll opt for late flying if possible! Toilets still pumping air freshener so no joy there. I don’t drink before I fly to avoid using the toilet (or have to use a mask). On my previous flight I sat next to someone applying nail polish! Ahhh! I swapped seats with my husband across the aisle & used my mask until in the air. The air hostess then moved me to first class. Could you believe another lady moved to first class across the aisle from me and began doing her nails. Her husband didn’t like the smell!! Ahhh! I wanted to jump out of the plane but settled for complaining instead. She was asked to return to her seat. The hostess said she’d never had this happen before- just my luck! Moral of the story- expect the unexpected and be prepared. Only other problem I had with first class was being close to the toilets and the constant fragrance wafting out. I couldn’t have survived that flight without my mask. I now always travel with oxygen in the cabin and a letter from my doctor should I be unlucky enough to have a similar experience in the future. It’s a hassle having to get the airline medical form signed by my doctor every time but it’s peace of mind for me. I’m also coeliac with severe food sensitivities so I take my own food on board too.
    Hotels are a nightmare. I’ve been known to still be searching for a suitable room at 4am! Calling ahead hasn’t helped me at all. My idea of chemical & fragrance free, older beds and carpets, opening windows etc is very different to someone’s idea who doesn’t suffer with MCS. Has anyone had any success using an air filter in hotel rooms? I react severely to the chemicals in new beds and carpet cleaning products.
    When booking a hire car I request the oldest one in the fleet and instruct no chemicals or air freshener be used- varying degrees of success with this. Sometimes I’ve had to resort to a convertible as I tend to fare better at the moment with low level polluted outdoor air than new car off-gassing, but always have my mask handy for the inevitable diesel attacks etc.
    Anyone know if pesticides are used in domestic planes in Australia?

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    • 

      Susie Collins
      

      27. Jan, 2010

      Aloha Julie, thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I do know people who travel with air filters to use in hotel rooms, but it always seems to be in conjunction with opening windows. I nearly went insane once while on the presidential campaign in New Mexico when campaign HQ put me in a hotel where the windows did not open. Luckily I was working 20 hour days, so wasn’t in the room much (that was back when I was well enough to still travel and work outside the home, I’m so glad I did that back in 2004, I would not be able to do that now). I hope others can come and answer your questions. Aloha, Susie

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21. 

    kelley
    

    22. Apr, 2010

    wow. oh my god thank you so much for an amazing article. i sometimes feel so sad becuz i wonder if ill ever get to travel with my MCS but this gives me hope. such good advice. i was wondering anybody out there sensitive to the EMF’s from the airplane>? im sensitive to electricity a bit and havent been in an airplane with it yet.

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22. 

    Vickie
    

    16. May, 2010

    I have found a measure of help for emergencies by carrying 1/2cup or so of whole coffee beans in a sachet bag. I tuck this into a plastic back in my pusre, when I come run into chemicals smells , I can smell the coffee beans, and it does help clear my head somewhat until I can get away.
    They use this a fragrance counters when people are tryin multi perfumes. it clears the olefactory system.
    Maybe this will help someone.

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    • 

      Vickie
      

      16. May, 2010

      I tuck it into a plastic bag…in my purse.

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23. 

    Dale
    

    22. May, 2010

    Wow. I haven’t been on a plane since ’04 and back then perfume, air freshener and smoke were the only things that really irritated me. I’m considering long-distance travel again, so I have to look. For hotels, try environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com . The adavanced search feature is wonderful!
    Do those personal air filters work? I’m refering to the ones that are about 4in tall and come on a string. I’ve seen one in the Giam catalog.
    Now, pesticides…Which countries are notorius for using them on planes, particularly inside? I’m American; are there any domestic airlines that don’t spray? Or perhaps, use a non-toxic to humans pesticide? Do small domestic planes fly to international airports?
    Does every airline use chemicals in the lavatories? Is it possible to make arrangements for a plane not to be contaminated before you get on? Is this helpful?
    When I’m out and about here in town, I like to carry something with a strong organic and botanical scent to sniff when I’m near something bad. I have a friend who’s a paramedic. He said that when he enters a residence when a dead body he coats his mustache region with a lip balm. I’ve tried this for just going in public, but it wears off very quickly.
    Has anyone tried trains or oceanliners? Do they still have oceanliners? How fast could a ship go from say, Boston to Miami? I took a train a few months ago. There were lots of irritants, but at least you can get off at frequent intervals. Are there “green” train lines? What about “economy” cars on rail lines? I mean like with hard metal or wooden seats instead of fabric and no carpeting? On Amtrack trains, they sometimes have noise-free cars; are there scent-free cars?
    And cars! Some destinations require rental cars. Are there agencies that don’t spray them with “cleaners” and “fresheners”? I found a “green” car and upholstery cleaner at Whole Paycheck, er, Foods. It was designed by the parents of a kid of MCS(D). It’s not good if you have peanut allergies, though.
    Thanks to everyone whom left a helpful comment on this forum. I would love to travel again. I’ve found that there are a number of resources for locating health food stores and even organic restaurants across America and even in some other countries. (There are, reportedly, 16 organic restaurants in Paris, France.) In fact, preparing for a destination seems easy enough. I just don’t want to be limited to places I can drive to in my relatively desensitized car.
    Oh and the American Lung Association’s web site has a database of smoking regulations in every state and Washington.
    Is there any hope for eliminating the tribulations of MCS(D)/Environmental illness/Sick building syndrome? Are these conditions accomodated by ADA section 504? Is there some advocacy group for us? Are environmental groups having any luck with reform? After all, everything that countributes to our reactions is toxic, thus it’s a “green” issue, too.

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    • 

      Dale
      

      22. May, 2010

      Yikes! There I was asking about advocacy groups and this is an MCS forum. I got so caught up in the comments, that I didn’t look at the menu….

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