Why do airplanes make you gassy?

#211

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode.

00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors

01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas

01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication

02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights?

03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion

05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure

15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples

18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure

19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats

20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas

22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness

29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories

34:41 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement

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References from this episode:

1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/


2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-airplane-windows-dont/#:~:text=Gravity%20tends%20to%20keep%20air,hypoxia%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20oxygen.


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


4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9P1_Xuayk&t=1s


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


6. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html


7. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/


8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1272559/


9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987713003204?casa_token=15eE-dbT_SsAAAAA:tapMXnm3_aFXzlYYcuqITcGuq2beGzm8jvGido_IzMZZMdhezweqXyayesk3VBVrg_cq9luDCg

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