Have you ever considered how the aviation industry and aviation aircraft can affect your health? Etihad Airways Medical Center recently held its annual Aviation Health Conference, titled “Ophthalmology and Color Vision in Aviation,” which was attended by more than 120 medical professionals and international medical experts. The purpose of these conferences are to encourage collaboration among aviation medicine practitioners and health industry stakeholders, according to Dr. Nadia Bastaki.

Aviation health concerns are exemplified through unfriendly aircraft, such as the piston-engine aircraft. Collectively more than 167,000 piston-engine aircraft comprise the majority of the U.S. general aviation fleet. These vehicles rely on leaded fuel to operate safely, which aggregate the nation’s largest remaining source of lead emissions.

Think of a car that uses all “unleaded” fuel. We’ve come so far and made much progress. So why is this aircraft still using leaded fuel? And how much of an impact is it having on the U.S.’s economy and public health? Those exposed to low levels of lead, especially children, have been shown to suffer neurological and cognitive impairment, including IQ loss. In fact, according to a study done by MIT, even minor sources of toxic pollutants can have a major health and economic impact. Efforts to curb leaded emissions from GA aircraft have been underway for at least a decade.

Thanks to conferences like the annual Aviation Health Conference, professionals can come together and discuss creative solutions to improve our current concerns. Nothing is more important than the health of all aviation professionals and Baymac is here to cover you. With our worldwide coverage and amazing member benefits, you can cross your health concerns off the worry list.

Sources:
http://news.mit.edu/2016/unfriendly-skies-piston-engine-aircraft-pose-significant-health-threat-0826
http://gulfnewsjournal.com/stories/511009335-etihad-airways-medical-center-hosts-annual-aviation-health-conference