Study finds low particulate levels onboard aircraft

Commercial aircraft cabins at altitude had the lowest levels of aerosol particulates in the air compared to restaurants, stores, homes, buses or private cars, Georgia Tech researchers found in a new study measuring both particle mass and number in commercial flights and other indoor spaces. “We wanted to highlight how important it is to have a high ventilation rate and clean air supply to lower the concentration of particles in indoor spaces,” said Associate Professor Nga Lee (Sally) Ng. “The in-flight cabin had the lowest particle mass and particle number concentration.” Throughout this global health crisis, US airlines have multiple layers of protection to prioritize the health and wellbeing of customers and employees, including industrial-grade HEPA filters.