Chemistry For Your Life

Why do airplanes make you gassy?

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#211

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode.

00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors

01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas
01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication
02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights?
03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion
05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure
15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples
18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure
19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats
20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas
22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness
29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories
34:41 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement

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References from this episode:

  1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/
  2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-airplane-windows-dont/#:~:text=Gravity%20tends%20to%20keep%20air,hypoxia%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20oxygen.
  3. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9P1_Xuayk&t=1s
  5. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html
  6. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html
  7. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1272559/
  9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987713003204?casa_token=15eE-dbT_SsAAAAA:tapMXnm3_aFXzlYYcuqITcGuq2beGzm8jvGido_IzMZZMdhezweqXyayesk3VBVrg_cq9luDCg

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