Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes?

#212

Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of noise-canceling headphones and lounge access for frequent flyers. The episode sheds light on why people often feel unwell on planes, highlighting the Pigpen Effect, where leftover oils from previous passengers can react with ozone to create a micro-cloud of pollutants.

00:00 Introduction to Ozone Lysis

00:09 Ozone Lysis in Organic Chemistry

00:25 Personal Anecdotes and Misconceptions

01:10 Ozone and Airplane Discomfort

01:49 Chemistry of Airplane Air

02:41 Ozone Lysis and Human Interaction

06:44 Catalytic Converters in Airplanes

11:58 The Pigpen Effect

16:50 Historical Context and Modern Concerns

18:38 Recap and Further Discussion

20:23 Understanding the Pigpen Effect

20:58 Chemical Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones

22:11 Volatility and Airplane Air Quality

22:42 The Gross Reality of Airplane Seats

23:31 Airplane Hygiene and Mask-Wearing

25:08 Flying Tips and Tricks

29:54 Travel Credit Cards and Lounge Access

34:36 Sleeping on Planes and Noise-Canceling Headphones

37:43 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

References from this episode:

1. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26


2. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html


3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/es3046795


4. https://youtu.be/hM9P1_Xuayk?t=107s


5. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf


6. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf


7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683839/

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather R


• Autoclave


• Chelsea M


• Dorien VD


• Scott B


• Jessie R


• Ciara L


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette N


• Cullyn R


• Erica B


• Elizabeth P


• Sarah M


• Rachel R


• Letila


• Katrina B


• Suzanne P


• Venus R


• Lyn S


• Jacob T


• Brian K


• Emerson W


• Kristina G


• Timothy P


• Steven B


• Chris and Claire S


• Chelsea B


• Avishai B


• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife