Air Filters on Planes Are Similar to Those Used in Hospitals
Everyone knows that airplanes fly through the air—there’s a clue right there in the name, if you think about it—but we don’t often give much thought to the air inside the cabin while we’re on the way to whatever adventure our flight is carrying us toward. And it’s probably good that you don’t think about it too much: being stuck for hours in a flying tin can with hundreds of strangers may be enough to give any germaphobe nightmares for weeks to come.
But there’s nothing to worry about, because science comes to the rescue once again. The air inside airplane cabins is very carefully filtered using systems similar to those found in hospitals. By continuously cycling the cabin atmosphere through an elaborate system of filtration devices, the aircraft works to keep the air clean and to keep you germ free. Small comfort when seated next to a sick and screaming infant, but comfort nonetheless.
Another fun fact about cabin air: the atmosphere throughout the whole aircraft is kept as close to zero humidity as possible to avoid condensation interfering with delicate electronics and other important components. It may seem strange to think about, but the air in there may be the driest you ever experience. So when the steward comes around offering bottles of water, make sure you snatch one up lest you dry out like the rest of the aircraft.