Aviation: Air Quality

Answer: My Lords, oxygen supply is a different question from studies of cabin air quality. Let us try to keep a sense of proportion about this. So far, on the worst estimates possible, a fume event—that is what we are talking about—takes place on fewer than one in 2,000 flights, and there is considerable dispute about what the quality of such a fume event might be. I have written to the noble Baroness, Lady Trumpington, on the oxygen issue. There is no evidence to suggest any variation at all in the level of oxygen supply, and my understanding is that the suggestion that the crew somehow interfere with the supply of oxygen is not true either.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Monday, 14 July 2008 by Baroness Oppenheim-Barnes (Conservative).

Question: My Lords, does the noble Lord accept not only that there is the epidemiology problem but that the situation is made much worse because of the often insufficient distribution of oxygen in airliners? It is known to be much less sufficient in economy class than in first class. Surely that makes the matter a far more urgent one for the Government to consider.

Secondary information

Type: Oral answer to question
Reference: 703 c974
Session: 2007-08
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Air pollution Aircraft Contamination Pollution control Air conditioning
Link: View this Oral answer to question on www.publications.parliament.uk