Questionnaire survey to evaluate the health and comfort of cabin crew

A questionnaire survey on evaluation of in-flight health and comfort of cabin crew was investigated between September 1996 to March 1997. One hundred eighty-five questionnaires were completed by the cabin crew. Overall comfort on the aircraft was acceptable and adequate. Important air quality issues were odour, cigarette smoke, and humidity. More than 60% of the cabin crew (especially for long haul flights) felt that the cabin humidity was low and caused discomfort; 80% felt that environmental tobacco smoke on smoking flights deteriorated the cabin air quality. The parameters most frequently complained about by passenger were humidity, temperature, odour, and noise. The three most frequently experienced symptoms were dry or irritated eyes, dry or stuffy nose, and skin dryness or irritation.