Cinnaminson, NJ, June 2nd, 2020
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) estimated that U.S. airlines carried more than 925 million passengers last year. The aviation industry, and all of its components, are a critical part of the economy, moving people, goods and employing millions of workers.
With so many people crowded together tightly in airports and airplanes, some travelers and workers have had indoor environmental quality (IEQ) concerns and worried about the spread of airborne and surface germs when traveling. These became much bigger issues this year as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly spread across the globe and dramatically curtailed domestic and international travel.
Regarding air quality issues in planes, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that potential cabin air hazards may include:
- Ventilation hazards, including carbon monoxide, ozone and carbon dioxide levels
- Transmission of communicable diseases from sick passengers
- Cabin altitude and pressurization changes
- Air contamination events, when cabin air becomes contaminated with breakdown products from heated engine oil or hydraulic fluid
With communicable diseases, NIOSH states that some of the ways they can be spread on a plane include:
- Direct contact with a sick person
- Breathing in airborne viruses and bacteria
- Contact with blood and other body fluids
- Contact with a contaminated surface or object
“Of particular concern today in the airline industry is the possibility of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases through respiratory droplets in the air or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In addition, there have been studies over the years that have tested surfaces in planes for microorganisms such as E. coli, MRSA and mold. These have raised public health concerns and highlighted the importance of thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in planes and other forms of mass transportation.”
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides surface and air testing analysis for microbial contaminants and chemical pollutants. They also provide testing to confirm the effectiveness of disinfection procedures in planes, trains, buses and ships. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about IEQ and preventing the spread of germs in airplanes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/tnSY74Tyca8.
To learn more about this or other air, surface and disinfection testing services, or for access to sampling supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
Order Sampling Supplies
Request Pricing
Technical Questions
24/7 Account Access
Email Us
