(RepublicanPress.org) – Frequent flyers understand the discomfort of chilly flights all too well. What you might not know is that there’s a reason why airlines keep the flight temperatures so low — aside from keeping their pilots and crew alert while on the job.
Reports found the answer to this question buried in a 2008 study published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an international standards organization.
According to ASTM’s research, passengers experience an increased risk of passing out at high altitudes due to hypoxia, a medical condition caused when the human body doesn’t receive enough oxygen.
Why is it so damn #COLD on #airplanes? Study finds warm cabins contribute to the likelihood of passing out mid-flight https://t.co/NH7QhY2MVK #fainting #hypoxia #Health #AirTravel pic.twitter.com/kD3hdVaPLB
— Mithridates (@TerenceSpeaks) December 26, 2017
In technical terms, a combination of lower cabin pressure at higher altitudes, immobility during flight, abdominal distension, and reduced pulmonary ventilation all contribute to the possibility of fainting or syncope. Fortunately, the risk of passing out on an aircraft is fairly nominal.
As a result, airlines decided years ago to turn the cabin temperatures down while in flight and avoid any potential trouble. So, be sure to bring along a sweater, light jacket, or budget some additional funds for the use of an airline blanket.
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