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Friday, May 1, 2009

Snoutbreak Joe Biden Was Right

Posted by Erica C. Barnett on Fri, May 1, 2009 at 1:53 PM

The thing I love (and occasionally hate) about Joe Biden is his tendency to talk off script, as he did this week when he advised commuters to stay out of confined spaces like subways and airplanes.

Although Biden later retracted his statement, according to the National Research Council, seems to be spot-on, at least where airplanes are concerned. From the NRC's manual, " THE AIRLINER CABIN ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF PASSENGERS AND CREW" (bolds and caps theirs):

“Coughing and sneezing produce the biologically richest aerosols [i.e. containing the most bacteria and viruses]. A sneeze produces very large droplets (200 microns and larger). Immediately on release, respiratory droplets begin to dry. Many become droplet nuclei, which are very small, remain airborne for long periods, and [...] can remain infective for hours or even days.”

“Filters currently used in aircraft ventilation systems probably remove only a very small fraction of the continually produced bioaerosols.”

“Data from doctors’ offices and schools clearly indicate that viruses can be circulated through ventilation systems, remain viable, and infect people who have no physical contact with the source. In aircraft cabins, this effect might be augmented by the low relative humidity, which would prolong the life of the airborne viruses. “

The available evidence suggests “microbiologic air contaminents” circulate through the cabin and into the cockpit, and concentrations are highest before take off and during descent and landing.

Via Infrastructurist.

Comments (12) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

Thanks for reminding me why I really hate planes.

Posted by keshmeshi on May 1, 2009 at 2:00 PM

No one's disputing the fact that planes are germ-ridden environments. But the government shouldn't immediately go to DEFCON 1 (or, the CDC equivalent) in the face of any threat of disease. They advise levels of precaution based on the perceived risk of an epidemic. And, if the CDC/HSA/whatever says that it isn't yet serious enough to warrant restricting travel, then the VP shouldn't go and contradict them. It creates confusion, unnecessary fear, and a negative impact on the economy.

Posted by Julie in Eugene on May 1, 2009 at 2:05 PM

Without a microscope it is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish droplets of sputum, spit and mucus from droplets of red wine.

Posted by Believe It or Not! on May 1, 2009 at 2:17 PM

I agree with you Erica.

Posted by Betty on May 1, 2009 at 2:21 PM

In an airplane it's ALWAYS flu season: dry, cool, packed, with poor ventilation. Take any theory about why flu is seasonal and an airplane satisfies its conditions. It's hard to imagine a worse place to be. Put a couple of infected people on long enough flight and you've got an infected airplane. Add in some transfers to other longish flights and you've got a lot of virus propogation.

Posted by kinaidos on May 1, 2009 at 2:21 PM

"Enough is enough! I have had it with these monkey fighting h1n1s on this Monday to Friday plane!"

Posted by Samuel L Jackson on tv in '09.... yo on May 1, 2009 at 2:36 PM

duh

Posted by w7ngman on May 1, 2009 at 2:37 PM

And advising people who aren't feeling well to forgo the trip is a fine suggestion, but how likely is that, if they've paid hundreds of dollars and possibly planned this trip for weeks, if not months.

Posted by Beth on May 1, 2009 at 2:39 PM

Quit trying to ruin our infrastrcture you dim wit. Stop propagating this nonsense. Are you trying to topple airlines and those who build them?

Posted by joe biden on May 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM

I hate all these people who talk off scripts.

It just reminds me of when Fnarf was going on about how he likes planes.

Posted by Will in Seattle on May 1, 2009 at 4:09 PM

joe biden was wrong, and so is this report -- at least in reference to the flu.

influenza is transmitted by close contact (respiratory droplets) and is not transmissible via droplet nuclei. this report does not specify which organisms it's referring to --just "microbiologic air contaminants" -- and seems to presume they all behave in the same manner, but they do not.

influenza requires close contact or secondary contact through touching objects like doorknobs and keyboards. it is susceptible to desication and not transmissible through long distance or re-circulated air. you can still catch it on a plane -- by sitting next to a sick person, or touching contaminated objects -- but not in the manner this report suggests.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/security/o…

Posted by brandon on May 1, 2009 at 5:02 PM

#6 FTW. I LMAO with that one.
Also. I wonder how well that "Airborne" medicine works in conditions like Flus On A Plane?

Posted by worst.ADR.ever on May 2, 2009 at 12:13 AM