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Adjusting Cabin Pressure Eases Air Passenger Discomfort
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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 But she added, changing cabin pressures in existing aircraft is not that simple because of their aluminum structures.
"Airplanes are designed to withstand the continuous pressurization/depressurization cycles that occur in takeoffs and landings throughout their service life. To lower the maximum cruise cabin altitude, the pressure difference must be increased between the interior and exterior of the airplane. This change would fatigue (wear out) the structure more rapidly and impact the airplane's service life in an uncertain way, perhaps even compromising the design integrity of the airplane," she said.
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For more on staying healthy when you fly, head to the Academy of Family Physicians.
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Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 7/5/2007
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SOURCES: J. Michael Muhm, M.D., senior occupational physician, Boeing, Seattle; Jeanne Yu, director, environmental performance, Boeing, Seattle; Claude Thibeault, M.D., medical advisor, International Air Transport Association, Montreal; July 5, 2007, New England Journal of Medicine
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