A Problem in the Air

The frequency with which we, our family and our friends come down with upper respiratory infections after air travel is more than a coincidence. It is widely believed that the airlines have quietly cut back on circulating oxygen, and the air breathed by the passengers, containing the cold virus and other upper respiratory infection agents, is recycled much too frequently, making infection much more likely to occur.

This may be a relatively minor inconvenience to some, but is much more serious for those in poor health or immuno-compromised, in whom any infection may prove fatal. We believe that the extent of this problem should be investigated, and mandatory standards laid down for the airlines.

PETER DURE-SMITH, MD

Colton

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