Insecticide Use in Occupied Areas of Aircraft

Abstract

Insecticides are applied in the aircraft cabin for four key reasons: (1) to comply with foreign quarantine regulations applicable to certain international flights; (2) to control insects in the aircraft galleys where food and food waste are stored; (3) to respond to insect sightings reported by passengers or crew; and (4) to combat seasonal insect populations. Insecticide application related to foreign quarantine regulations has generated the most controversy and concern for crew and passenger health. Forty seven countries require that the cabin and cockpit of commercial aircraft are sprayed with insecticides, either prior to or upon arrival, to protect against importing insects that may be on board and may carry disease or damage the environment. Spraying practices vary widely between countries and airlines. Although the World Health Organization describes these practices as safe “if carried out with the recommended precautions,” little or no attention is paid to exposure control practices. Government agencies, labor unions, airlines, and environmental groups have received reports of ill health from passengers and crew, with symptoms that range from rash to anaphylaxis. The current focus is on developing mechanical methods of disinsection that will satisfy countries' quarantine concerns without compromising the health of aircraft occupants.