Several areas of research have been identified, and work is in hand to define the programme necessary to ensure a significant impact on passenger health. The Institute provides an invaluable, independent source of reference, information and comment on aviation health issues. It also encourages airlines and passengers to take action to address the problems. The Aviation Health Institute was established by Farrol Kahn. Unlike industries on the ground, airlines are subject to little or no regulations on the health of their customers.
Passengers are responsible for their own health.
Supporting the AHI contributes to healthy flying for all. Although it is often referred to as the Economy Class Syndrome , it may also affect other passengers. There is uncertainty concerning the potential effects of radiation on the health of air personnel, though the European Union requires certain air personnel to be monitored and to take account of their exposures when arranging schedules. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, believe that their recent. investigation into a passenger with tuberculosis, provides evidence of the transmission of disease aboard commercial aircraft, and that the prolonged exposure to aerosol droplets plays a part. Their findings may well be relevant to previous reports on the transmission of airborne viruses in flight.