Travelling in planes is completely safe, or is it? Although the high-tech contemporary world revolves around innovations and advancements in different areas and industries, flying thousands of feet above ground can definitely impose problems when the situation is not properly managed or not prepared for by means of certain protocols or policies that are set out by authorities. Among the many barriers that humans have addressed and striven to answer about air transportation is how to breath once your on high altitudes.

Aircraft fly reaching an altitude of roughly around 30,000 to 35,000 feet. At this particular altitude, the air lacks the necessary oxygen that human requires to survive. There is oxygen at that certain altitude; however, the pressure is too low, impeding the oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Fortunately, the airplane\’s interiors are pressurized, meaning that the passengers are able to breath naturally even though the levels of oxygen outside the airplane is fatal. Compressed air is introduced into the cabin to maintain a safer and breathable environment for passengers and the crew members of the airplane.

With no pressurization, individuals and airlines would not have the capabilities of travelling by means of aircraft safely. The airplane\’s interior is very cozy and the atmosphere is fine, however, what if the window breaks and turns this safe and air pressurized cabin into a dangerous and fatal atmosphere. The passengers and crew members will have no option but breathe the low-pressure oxygen that is present in the high altitude. So what do you do in this given situation? The answer is through oxygen masks, which are commonly installed in every plane of every airline that is present today.

The overhead oxygen masks are designed to fall down and enable passengers to breathe clean and safe oxygen while allowing the pilot to maneuver the plane to a lower and safer altitude. The passengers are given sufficient amount of safe oxygen that can prevent them from passing out and remaining unconscious as the pilots of the plane bring the aircraft in lower altitudes or for emergency landing.

You may be asking yourselves how these oxygen masks are capable of administering safe to breathe oxygen to the passengers. Basically, it is stored in an oxygen-filled canister, termed as a chemical oxygen generator. These oxygen canisters are usually equipped in other places where oxygen may unexpectedly be depleted, including submarines and space stations. The oxygen canisters are filled with sodium chlorate cylinder or pellet and an igniting mechanism. The mechanism is triggered either by impact or by friction. Sodium chlorate compound doesn\’t burn. It deteriorates and expels off a huge amount of heat and the necessary oxygen.

Without these oxygen canisters, travelling on high altitudes may prove to be dangerous if an unprecedented oxygen leak incurs. The body requires a particular amount of oxygen to remain alert and conscious. Without oxygen, a person is bound to pass out soon after exposure to low-pressurized air. This is specifically dangerous for the pilots as they have the primary role of controlling the airplane and making sure that it doesn\’t crash down. With the importance of oxygen in terms of air transportation, oxygen masks are truly one of the most important components of the plane regardless of their compact size.

Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of Pure O2, specialists in understanding oxygen and oxygen canisters.

Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of Pure O2 (http://www.healthoxygen.com), specialists in understanding oxygen and oxygen canisters.

Author Bio: Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of Pure O2, specialists in understanding oxygen and oxygen canisters.

Category: Advice
Keywords: understanding oxygen, oxygen masks, oxygen canisters, portable oxygen