Any advice on flying?

 
I'm thinking about relocating to Green Bank and flying there but am concerned about the exposures!
 
Can anyone tell me how to fly safely or share your experience?  I am extremely chemically sensitive as well as electrically sensitive.
 
Loni

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Can anyone tell me how to fly safely or share your experience? 
> I am extremely chemically sensitive as well as electrically sensitive.

I'm sure there are people who have had more unpleasant experiences
than me, however, as I recall the only problems I've had with
flying are:

  -- if you're in a big, busy airport, you will be surrounded by
     people with smart phones, and there are wi-fi routers all
     over the place.   If you can find a smaller, uncrowded
     airport, this won't be as big of a problem.

  -- I used to have problems with all the TV monitors around
     the airport, so keep your distance from them

  -- On the airplane itself, the most problems I have had are
     from people sitting next to me with electronic devices,
     or the overhead florescent lights that are on during
     boarding.  A few planes also have wi-fi on them now.
     Airplanes used to have TV's on them, but I haven't seen
     these lately -- not for the shorter flights halfway
     across the USA.  If you can find flights that are on
     smaller planes, or are leaving at strange times of day
     where they won't be as crowded, that might be a good
     thing to try. Also if you can choose a seat where there
     aren't as many people around you (all the way in the
     back, for example), that might be helpful.

Marc  

Hi Loni,


I don't know how sensitive you are to pesticides.  I get anaphylaxis and skin/ mucosal tissue burning, among other things around pesticides.  The anaphylaxis is now instantaneous and complete inability to breathe--like people who are allergic to peanuts get; for me it is a life threatening condition. 


Doctor Rae's nurse told me the only way people like me can fly is to wear a birka (spelling may be wrong) like Moslem women wear, and to use oxygen with a full face mask.  I was told I would need to call the airlines ahead and explain this, and I would also need to have a letter from a physician stating the necessity of using the oxygen, etc, to take on the plane.  I was also told I would need 2 birkas--one encased in plastic to wear on the way back home, and I would need to throw the other birka away as soon as I arrived at my destination.  I have never flown since receiving this advice, btw.  For one thing, finding a pesticide-free place to stay is next to impossible.  [Maybe I could invent a fashionable "bubble outfit" to live and sleep in.  lol  It might become the rage in time, who knows.  ;)  ]


I know you have chemical sensitivity, but I don't know whether pesticides are this dangerous for you.  Airplanes, I was told, are sprayed with pesticides regularly, and the particular pesticide of choice is often tralomethrin, the very pesticide I get anaphylaxis with.  :( 


My husband and I have decided the only way, realistically, for me to travel is in an RV.  We recently bought a van large enough to sleep in, etc, but I am yet way too busy with my Dad and Mom to try it out.  We hope to take some long weekends to check out the Chesapeake area and mountain areas of Virginia this summer when my niece (we hope--last year she did this) gets the summer off from teaching and can take care of my parents a bit. 


Good luck, Loni.  I hope this works out for you (Green Bank, I mean; not necessarily the birka, etc--that I hope you don't need.  lol)
My best to you,
Diane


________________________________
 From: Loni <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2012 1:54 AM
Subject: [eSens] Any advice on flying?
 
 
I'm thinking about relocating to Green Bank and flying there but am concerned about the exposures!
 
Can anyone tell me how to fly safely or share your experience?  I am extremely chemically sensitive as well as electrically sensitive.
 
Loni

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-- On Sat, 3/31/12, Loni <[hidden email]> wrote:


I'm thinking about relocating to Green Bank and flying there but am concerned about the exposures!


 


Can anyone tell me how to fly safely or share your experience? I am
extremely chemically sensitive as well as electrically sensitive.

Loni,

Ditto.  I am MCS and ES and I recently flew Alaska Airlines on a 2.5 hour flight from LAX  and it was pretty miserable.  I fried the whole way.  But I am afraid the way things are these days, you are going to have to accept that there will be some suffering involved with flying, but it will only be temporary for a few hours.  Of course, if you have an exposure hangover, it may take a few days to fully recouperate. But, I say, go ahead and fly if you need to.  Just take some protective measures to mitigate the damage from the exposures.

As Mark said, you can try to board less crowded flights and smaller airplanes, to try and reduce exposures, but oftentimes you can't control that aspect of your travel plans, so I find that my only option is to try and reduce or block the exposures the best you can.  

A MASK IS ESSENTIAL:
Some airports are worse than others for jet fuel fumes building up inside the sitting areas.  If you have a long wait, it can make you sick. So wear a mask.  Also, while the airplane is boarding, sitting on the tarmack, and for awhile after take-off, the engine is spewing noxious fumes that leak into the plane.  In addition, many fumes get trapped in the cabin of the airplane and get recirculated, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, pesticides, fumes from engine oil, hydraulic fluids and de- icing liquid. 

Air in the airplane cabin is recycled throughout the trip. Any germs floating around in that air are also re-circulated. Plus, the air on planes tends to be much drier, which means your nose and mouth also become dry. Without the mucous and moisture usually present to "catch" them, bacteria have a better atmosphere for setting in and causing infection.  1/2 hour before boarding, take 10 drops of potassium iodide (SSKI) in a few ounces of water. Repeat the dose every three to four hours while you're in the air.  Don't take any more after landing. The iodine will accumulate in your nose, throat, and lungs where it will kill or inhibit unfriendly germs you may inhale.

I found that I did not have to wear my North Cannister Mask, although I always bring it just in case.  I found that wearing a 3M 8247 Workshop Odor Respirator - Particulate Respirator R95 or it may be called a 3M R95 Latex Paint and Odor Respirator worked  okay.  It is like a  paint mask that is grey on the outside and white on the inside, because it has a carbon layer.  They can be found in most any hardware or paint store.  I can't function without them.  Some MCS people prefer to take Oxygen on plane flights, but you need a doctor's letter, pre-arrangement with the airline, and it will cost you. 

SHIELDING FABRIC OR CLOTHES ARE ESSENTIAL:
I bring a large piece of lightweight microwave sheilding fabric with me that I can use to wrap around my whole body like a blanket, covering my legs and feet, since the  microwave exposure on planes keeps increasing.  I will be sewing up some garments soon.

I don't know about other major airlines, but Alaska Airlines now has what they call Gogo on board, which is Wi-Fi in Flight.  Go to www.gogoair.com to read about it.  They offer a complimentary access, or you can buy a 24 hour pass to use Wi-Fi on board or extended plans.  Here is what they say:

"Stay connected too your world with Gogo.  Use your laptop or any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device to access the Internet if your flight is travelling within the coverage area shown on the map.  Log on and you can surf the web, instant message, email, and use your VPN -- all at 30,000 feet."  Then they say:  "Service is not available outside the Lower 48 states and not available on Hawaii flights.  Coverage will drop for approx. 45 minutes between Vancouver, B.C. and Ketchican, Alaska."  It appears that Gogo is available near most major cities in the U.S. perimieter.

When I boarded the plane, it was almost full and as I walked by the people in their seats, I counted those who were already on iPhones, wireless laptops, kindles, cell phones, etc. and it was everyone on board at the time, except 4 people.  In other words, I was literally surrounded.  This is where protective garments come in handy.

In addition, I find that certain places in the plane are worse than others for engine EMF's coming up through the floor, but for me, anywhere in the plane, I get EMF's coming up through my legs if my feet are resting on the floor, so I usually take off my shoes and put my feet up on the seat or on top of my purse under the seat.  That way it is easier to tuck the RF fabric under my feet as well.  People who fly more often may want to bring along something to put on the floor to block the EMF's.

I am sure you know that the rear of the plane is worse for fumes coming from the bathrooms and for engine noise and fumes.  Bring Earplugs if you hate noise. 

Many airports have X-ray Body Scanners.  I always opt out, but have noticed that every time I opt out, they also search my carry on baggage.  Also, if you are going to opt out, do not send your items through the scanner until they pat you down.  Getting someone to pat you down can take up to 15 minutes for someone to arrive.  Meanwhile you are being separated from your baggage which is on the other side and no one to watch it.  It is very discriminatory and angers me every time.  I am shocked to see that I am always the only one opting out.  Here are some articles on body scanners:

Mercola:
http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/04/19/airport-security-scans-what-would-your-doctor-do.aspx
Europe Bans X-Ray Body Scanners Used at U.S. Airportshttp://www.environomics.com.au/news/europe-bans-x-ray-body-scanners-used-at-us-airports.html
Serious flaw in TSA body scanners
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/07/blogger-demonstrates-serious-flaw-in-tsa-body-scanners/

SUPPLEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL:
You can do a lot to prepare your body with supplements before flying,  Drink lots of liquids to keep hydrated while flying.  I give myself a B-Complex shot in the butt, before flying, and take Amino Acids, and other vitamins and supplements.  Certain Supplements and Amino Acids aid in detoxing chemicals and radiation, as has been previously discussed on this list.  , " A person with a high detox
enzyme level can handle 40 times the amount of
a toxic chemical as someone with a low enzyme
level," says Fred Guengerich, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, 1995 abstract at Pub Med.  So do
what you can to boost those enzymes while travelling!

I often wonder if X-Raying my baggage will damage my herbs and homeopathics that I bring with me.  I am sure it happens to some extent but there is not a lot you can do about it.  I am not sure, but I think check in baggage is subjected to stronger X-rays than carry on baggage, so I usually carry my supplements on with me.  I put my camera memory chips and batteries in a lead lined pouch.  If you can afford it, a lead lined box for herbs and supplements would be a good idea, but count on it being searched because of how it looks on the X-Ray screen; also, you can only carry on 8 ounces of liquid.

For me, I would get more EMF exposure from the floor board of a car from driving a long distance, than by flying the same distance.   Hazards of flying are many and I could go on.  Yes flying involves suffering, but so do other forms of travel.  Do your best to mitigate the exposure and you should be able to survive the experience.  There was also a flying thread on this list back in October 5, 2011 if you want to read it.

Good luck.

C. Johnson
[hidden email]
Wireless Refugee








__






 





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There is a cannister product sold that is oxygen. Whether it is allowed on planes, or in luggage, I can't tell you. The following is one we used. It helps hugelywith ES symptoms. Lizzie95% Pure Oxygen in a Can - Portable Canned Oxygen ... www.oxygen4energy.com
 To: [hidden email]
From: [hidden email]
Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:54:00 -0700
Subject: Re: [eSens] Any advice on flying?


















 



 


   
     
     
     

-- On Sat, 3/31/12, Loni <[hidden email]> wrote:



I'm thinking about relocating to Green Bank and flying there but am concerned about the exposures!



Can anyone tell me how to fly safely or share your experience? I am

extremely chemically sensitive as well as electrically sensitive.



Loni,



Ditto.  I am MCS and ES and I recently flew Alaska Airlines on a 2.5 hour flight from LAX  and it was pretty miserable.  I fried the whole way.  But I am afraid the way things are these days, you are going to have to accept that there will be some suffering involved with flying, but it will only be temporary for a few hours.  Of course, if you have an exposure hangover, it may take a few days to fully recouperate. But, I say, go ahead and fly if you need to.  Just take some protective measures to mitigate the damage from the exposures.



As Mark said, you can try to board less crowded flights and smaller airplanes, to try and reduce exposures, but oftentimes you can't control that aspect of your travel plans, so I find that my only option is to try and reduce or block the exposures the best you can.  



A MASK IS ESSENTIAL:

Some airports are worse than others for jet fuel fumes building up inside the sitting areas.  If you have a long wait, it can make you sick. So wear a mask.  Also, while the airplane is boarding, sitting on the tarmack, and for awhile after take-off, the engine is spewing noxious fumes that leak into the plane.  In addition, many fumes get trapped in the cabin of the airplane and get recirculated, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, pesticides, fumes from engine oil, hydraulic fluids and de- icing liquid.  



Air in the airplane cabin is recycled throughout the trip. Any germs floating around in that air are also re-circulated. Plus, the air on planes tends to be much drier, which means your nose and mouth also become dry. Without the mucous and moisture usually present to "catch" them, bacteria have a better atmosphere for setting in and causing infection.  1/2 hour before boarding, take 10 drops of potassium iodide (SSKI) in a few ounces of water. Repeat the dose every three to four hours while you're in the air.  Don't take any more after landing. The iodine will accumulate in your nose, throat, and lungs where it will kill or inhibit unfriendly germs you may inhale.



I found that I did not have to wear my North Cannister Mask, although I always bring it just in case.  I found that wearing a 3M 8247 Workshop Odor Respirator - Particulate Respirator R95 or it may be called a 3M R95 Latex Paint and Odor Respirator worked  okay.  It is like a  paint mask that is grey on the outside and white on the inside, because it has a carbon layer.  They can be found in most any hardware or paint store.  I can't function without them.  Some MCS people prefer to take Oxygen on plane flights, but you need a doctor's letter, pre-arrangement with the airline, and it will cost you.  



SHIELDING FABRIC OR CLOTHES ARE ESSENTIAL:

I bring a large piece of lightweight microwave sheilding fabric with me that I can use to wrap around my whole body like a blanket, covering my legs and feet, since the  microwave exposure on planes keeps increasing.  I will be sewing up some garments soon.



I don't know about other major airlines, but Alaska Airlines now has what they call Gogo on board, which is Wi-Fi in Flight.  Go to www.gogoair.com to read about it.  They offer a complimentary access, or you can buy a 24 hour pass to use Wi-Fi on board or extended plans.  Here is what they say:



"Stay connected too your world with Gogo.  Use your laptop or any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device to access the Internet if your flight is travelling within the coverage area shown on the map.  Log on and you can surf the web, instant message, email, and use your VPN -- all at 30,000 feet."  Then they say:  "Service is not available outside the Lower 48 states and not available on Hawaii flights.  Coverage will drop for approx. 45 minutes between Vancouver, B.C. and Ketchican, Alaska."  It appears that Gogo is available near most major cities in the U.S. perimieter.



When I boarded the plane, it was almost full and as I walked by the people in their seats, I counted those who were already on iPhones, wireless laptops, kindles, cell phones, etc. and it was everyone on board at the time, except 4 people.  In other words, I was literally surrounded.  This is where protective garments come in handy.



In addition, I find that certain places in the plane are worse than others for engine EMF's coming up through the floor, but for me, anywhere in the plane, I get EMF's coming up through my legs if my feet are resting on the floor, so I usually take off my shoes and put my feet up on the seat or on top of my purse under the seat.  That way it is easier to tuck the RF fabric under my feet as well.  People who fly more often may want to bring along something to put on the floor to block the EMF's.



I am sure you know that the rear of the plane is worse for fumes coming from the bathrooms and for engine noise and fumes.  Bring Earplugs if you hate noise.  



Many airports have X-ray Body Scanners.  I always opt out, but have noticed that every time I opt out, they also search my carry on baggage.  Also, if you are going to opt out, do not send your items through the scanner until they pat you down.  Getting someone to pat you down can take up to 15 minutes for someone to arrive.  Meanwhile you are being separated from your baggage which is on the other side and no one to watch it.  It is very discriminatory and angers me every time.  I am shocked to see that I am always the only one opting out.  Here are some articles on body scanners:



Mercola:

http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/04/19/airport-security-scans-what-would-your-doctor-do.aspx

Europe Bans X-Ray Body Scanners Used at U.S. Airportshttp://www.environomics.com.au/news/europe-bans-x-ray-body-scanners-used-at-us-airports.html

Serious flaw in TSA body scanners

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/07/blogger-demonstrates-serious-flaw-in-tsa-body-scanners/



SUPPLEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL:

You can do a lot to prepare your body with supplements before flying,  Drink lots of liquids to keep hydrated while flying.  I give myself a B-Complex shot in the butt, before flying, and take Amino Acids, and other vitamins and supplements.  Certain Supplements and Amino Acids aid in detoxing chemicals and radiation, as has been previously discussed on this list.  , " A person with a high detox

enzyme level can handle 40 times the amount of

a toxic chemical as someone with a low enzyme

level," says Fred Guengerich, Vanderbilt University

Medical Center, 1995 abstract at Pub Med.  So do

what you can to boost those enzymes while travelling!



I often wonder if X-Raying my baggage will damage my herbs and homeopathics that I bring with me.  I am sure it happens to some extent but there is not a lot you can do about it.  I am not sure, but I think check in baggage is subjected to stronger X-rays than carry on baggage, so I usually carry my supplements on with me.  I put my camera memory chips and batteries in a lead lined pouch.  If you can afford it, a lead lined box for herbs and supplements would be a good idea, but count on it being searched because of how it looks on the X-Ray screen; also, you can only carry on 8 ounces of liquid.



For me, I would get more EMF exposure from the floor board of a car from driving a long distance, than by flying the same distance.   Hazards of flying are many and I could go on.  Yes flying involves suffering, but so do other forms of travel.  Do your best to mitigate the exposure and you should be able to survive the experience.  There was also a flying thread on this list back in October 5, 2011 if you want to read it.



Good luck.



C. Johnson

[hidden email]

Wireless Refugee



__



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





   
     

   
   






       

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]