A Study of Protection Provided by General Aviation Oxygen Masks With Open Ambient Ports in Toxic Environments

Civil Aerospace Medical Institute2015PDFTech ReportPaskoff, Lawrence NMandella, Joseph G.Self, David A.United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Office of Aerospace MedicineUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteUnited StatesOxygen equipmentPoisonsCarbon dioxideGeneral aviationOxygen MaskDOT/FAA/AM-15/15Final ReportAir transport of medical specimens aboard general aviation aircraft frequently utilizes dry ice for preservation. The sublimation of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the confined space of the aircraft cabin, without sufficient outside air turnover presents a potential hazard. Aircraft equipped with oxygen systems utilizing modified clinical masks that allow oxygen to be diluted with air drawn in through side ports may not offer adequate protection from CO2 contamination.115