Sunwing Airlines 694 to Cuba – Pack your gas mask!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Mandatory insecticide spraying in the cabin, enroute, as you breathe!

Besides the usual poor air quality from VOCs, (volatile organic compounds - http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/index.htm) exhaust, concentration of other people’s microbes and body odours; insecticides can be added to the list of unwanted and potentially dangerous concerns on your destination flights. 

On a recent all inclusive trip to Cuba from Ottawa, for my daughter’s wedding, the passengers were informed via the intercom approximately ˝ hour before landing, that the there would be a release of insecticide into the cabin in accordance to Cuban law.  I thought I misunderstood and asked the stewardess to clarify.  She confirmed the information.  I told her that they could not do that, there were people with multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma who could have a reaction.  She went to speak to another stewardess.  When she came back I told her I wanted a mask for myself, my grandson and the rest of the passengers.  She told me that the insecticide spraying had already been done. 

When I got off of the plane my daughter, who was in the front of the plane (my grandson and I were about half way back) told me she had the same conversation with her stewardess, telling her that she was seriously allergic to insecticide.  The stewardess apparently informed another stewardess and then came back to tell my daughter that they would not spray.  Who do we believe?  What if you didn’t hear the announcement due to noise or being asleep? 

Insecticide or pesticide spraying is a common programmed practice at holiday resort locations.  Rooms, restaurants and grounds are routinely sprayed, mostly when you are not watching.  The plants around the swimming pool where my children and grand children were swimming and playing at the resort, were sprayed by a man with a tank and gas mask, as they played.

Canadians have a right to be informed and protected.  Insecticides or pesticides are toxic substances that can trigger allergic/asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity responses. There is no ‘safe dose’ for vulnerable individuals.  Children, whose organs are still developing have more difficulty detoxifying the harmful chemicals.  The aged, persons on drugs and those with other health challenges also have a compromised ability to detoxify toxic chemicals.  The many toxic and cancer causing chemicals in insecticides and pesticides can weaken the immune system, especially in persons undergoing cancer treatments or in recovery. When you are exposed to these chemicals they become a part of your body burden equation.    

What you can do to protect yourself and those you love:       

·         Pack a protective mask in your carry on bag to wear on the plane, especially if you have allergies, asthma or sensitivities.

·         Keep your skin covered in airports and planes and shower when you get to your destination. 

·         Bring a plastic bag to put the clothes in that you were wearing, so they do not transfer toxic chemicals to your other clothing. 

·         Bring along some cleavers and milk thistle tea (in bag form) to drink while travelling to promote detoxification.

·         Use the tips to promote natural detoxification and aids to promote whole body detoxification (see my website www.mybodycanhealitself.ca). 

·         Speak up to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Forward this email to those you love who frequent resorts and travel via planes. 

 

Elisabeth Hines, C.N.C., C.B.P.

Holistic Wellness Practitioner

www.mybodycanhealitself.ca

Almonte, Ontario