Chicago, August 15, 2005 – Every day, millions of Americans travel via air for business or pleasure, yet most may be unaware of some of the health risks involved in flying – ranging from the simple discomfort of dry eyes to motion sickness to the more serious incidence of blood clots. While air travel is one of the safest forms of trans-portation, taking proper travel precautions can make flying more comfortable and prevent adverse or even fatal health outcomes.

Because so many people travel via air on a regular basis and flying can impact the health of certain passengers who have underlying medical conditions, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has chosen air travel as the focus of its annual Labor Day CheckList, a compilation of “quick tips” developed to assist both employers and employees in improving the health and safety of workers, the workplace, and the environment. Medical Tips for Air Travel , is posted on the ACOEM web site.

The 2005 CheckList provides pre-flight planning tips and makes recommendations for traveling with medications, suggests what to eat and drink on the plane, and offers suggestions on ways to deal with the effects of air cabin pressure. “This list addresses the most common health and medical issues that impact air passengers during their flight,” said Thomas B. Faulkner , MD, MHA, FACOEM, medical director for Delta Airlines and a member of the ACOEM Board of Directors who assisted in the development of this year’s CheckList. “Putting some effort into preventing these problems will make for a more comfortable travel experience.”

While certain physical effects are unavoidable due to the air cabin pressure , e.g., dry eyes and skin, the CheckList suggests ways travelers can create a more comfortable travel experience: for example, by requesting water in a sealed bottle, or choosing other bottled or canned beverages. A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found bacteria in the water on both domestic and international aircraft. However, ice is usually safe on domestic flights, as it is generally commercially purchased from vendors who must meet strict hygiene standards. Finally, when in doubt about any medical issue, the CheckList recommends that travelers contact their physicians before flying.

ACOEM is an international medical society of more than 5,000 occupational and environmental health pro-fessionals. Founded in 1916, ACOEM provides leadership to promote optimal health and safety of workers, workplaces, and environments. The College is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Ill.

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Members of the Media : If you would like to set up an interview to discuss the CheckList, please call the ACOEM Communications Department at 847/818-1800, ext. 380 or 387. Since 1996, ACOEM has featured an aspect of worker health and safety in its annual Labor Day CheckList. Previous CheckLists have highlighted workplace safety tips for eye and vision protection, hearing protection, ergonomic issues, controlling asthma, preventing low back injury, and obesity. These Lists can be accessed via the web at beta.acoem.org/labordaychecklist.aspx. 2005/LDCL