contains carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas, CO2, formed during respiration, combustion, and organic decomposition and used in food refrigeration, carbonated beverages, fire extinguishers, and aerosols. Because dry ice contains carbon dioxide, it can evaporate to gas under special or extreme conditions. That it why it is so important to check with the airline for packaging procedures and policies before attempting to transport dry ice on a flight. As previously mentioned, most of the items packed in luggage are basically considered safe in reasonable amounts, but are still being reported as causes of some incidents. No matter how safe the items appear, you just don't know if they will remain that way once airborne because of the changes in the air pressure. The reason these items, which are considered harmless initially, become dangerous once in the air is usually because of the changes in the air pressure of the aircraft. The air pressure usually maintains the same pressure as the aircraft climbs from the ground to approximately 8,000 feet above sea level (this number may not always be exact-it can sometimes vary). As the aircraft climbs about 8,000 feet above sea level, the cabin pressure will start to decrease. When the aircraft descends from 8,000 feet above sea level to the ground, the air pressure will rise. This calls for additional precautions when deciding on what to place in your luggage. One way to use caution is, whenever possible, replace any aerosol cans, hair sprays, deodorants, insect repellent, etc., with non-aerosol versions. This effort can clearly decrease the number of incidents. Now that you are at the final stages of your packing, you begin to question some of the items you have just packed. You may sometimes hear a tiny voice in the back of your mind asking, "Are these items safe to carry on a flight?" Or, is it flammable and can become combustible once in the air? Can someone get injured because of the items in my luggage? You are also concerned that if some thing should happen because of what is in your luggage, it could very well be your fault. You may wonder if it will be safer to place them in the carry-on bag. But, will it be safer? Well, we should consider this tiny voice a good voice, one that is very concerned about safety. This may be the time to listen to that tiny voice. Problems Encountered by Packing Potentially Dangerous One of the problems of packing dangerous goods/HAZMAT usually begins at the airport while submitting to the required screening of your prop erty. This can result in detainment because of the potentially dangerous goods in the bags, which can also be an inconvenience to everyone who is trying to get on a flight. Also, items of personal value could be confiscated, and there is no guarantee that these items will be returned. For example, I accidentally left a small Mace TM container on my key ring, and it was confiscated by the airport security. They placed the MaceTM in a container near the screening section with other confiscated items. Although, I was told that the Mace TM would be returned to me, I did not see the possibility of that actually occurring. And, if by some miracle, it had been returned it wasn't worth the hassle to me. Luckily, I was not detained or even arrested for attempting to carry a weapon on the flight. I won't do that again. This example shows that the more we consider what we are packing, the fewer inconveniences encountered, and we can enjoy a safer flight. The danger of MaceTM was described earlier, but always remember that it is not only dangerous, it is a weapon, and you can be fined, prosecuted, or both for carrying weapons on board a flight. As suggested earlier, check with the airline for their policies regarding transporting weapons. Here are some additional examples that are based on actual events of what can happen when dangerous goods are on a flight: A seamstress friend usually carries her sewing kit (including the scissors) in her carry-on bag when traveling. On each trip as she attempts to go through the airport screening procedure, the scissors are always confiscated by the airport security. Since she is accustomed to taking her sewing kit with her everywhere, she usually forgets to remove the scissors when going on a flight. The scissors could have been packed in her checkin luggage. Scissors are prohibited on board a flight whether they are on your person or in your carry-on bag. Scissors are considered a potential weapon. Remember, there is always the possibility of being fined or prosecuted for taking a weapon on board, regardless if it was unintentional. A passenger innocently packed a disinfectant in her bag and placed the bag in the overhead compartment in the cabin of the airplane. The product was harmless before the airplane took off. But, once in the air, it rolled around in the overhead compartment, the top worked its way off the container. The contents spilled into the overhead lights in the passenger cabin producing strong fumes in the cabin and placing everyone in distress. The airplane had to land in order to locate the source of the problem. Everyone was safe, but the flight was delayed and the passengers and crewmembers were alarmed because of the diversion. A similar incident involved a passenger who packed hair spray in the carry-on bag. This bag was also placed in the overhead compartment of the passenger cabin of the airplane. After some light turbulence, which agitated the container, the top came off. The spray nozzle was then jammed against another item in the bag, and the hair spray sizzled out of the can into the air ducts of the cabin. This activity created a hissing sound and a puzzling odor. Again, the airplane had to land in order to locate the source of the problem. The above events may appear small, but they are real and can cause real problems. Always remember that small problems can grow into large problems if not detected. Someone could have become sick from the fumes of the hair spray or disinfectant. And, don't forget the flight crew and the pilot. They are confined in the same airplane as we are, and the fumes could get to them. And, the unexpected diversion is a potential safety issue. The pilot and the crew are very valuable to us on a flight. We require and depend on their alertness to arrive safely at our destination, which gives us more reasons to pack safely for our flight. Pilots of Private and Small Although all pilots are required to complete similar training before receiving their certificates and ratings, the pilots of small and private aircraft in noncommercial operations are not required to comply with the same safety screening procedures before each flight, as required of the pilots and passengers of commercial aircraft. However, because these pilots and their passengers are not required to the same screening process, it does not mean that the pilot is not responsible for the safety of the flight. Therefore, they should be personally conscious of what is in their passengers' luggage before the flight takes leaves the airfield. For example, let's say that you are the pilot of a small or private aircraft in a noncommercial operation, and you are planning to fly a passenger, who is a product distributor, to a convention two states away. The passenger is carrying bags filled with promotional products to distribute at the convention. You have no idea of the contents in the bags, and your passenger is not aware of the potential hazards of the items. The passenger is not a pilot, has no flight safety training, and, most of all, has no idea of what could happen to the products (especially if they are not properly packaged). Therefore, it is the pilot's responsibility to question the contents of the bags. So, how do you tactfully accomplish this? The pilot can discuss the possibility of potentially dangerous goods with the passenger(s), and share the "clip and save" list accompanying this article. As a courtesy of the FAA Dangerous Goods and Cargo Security Office, guidance and tips are provided on what and how to pack safely for a flight. This listing should alleviate a large portion of the uncertainty of what may or may not be considered dangerous goods. There are times when asking the right questions is necessary to assure a safe flight. In summary, we should continue to be aware of the types of items our passengers and we are packing before a flight. If we proceed in our efforts to pack cautiously for flights, the fewer incidents will occur. If you continue to feel unsure about the items you plan to pack in your luggage or ship as cargo, you can always contact your airline representative and /or the FAA Dangerous Goods and Cargo Security Division. The Dangerous Goods website is <http:// cas.faa.gov/cas/dgp.htm>. You can also access the HAZMAT website at <http://hazmat.dot.gov>. Don't spoil your holiday travels by packing dangerously. Jannell Young is with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and served on the magazine staff as a Women's Executive Leadership Program candidate. lip and Save "Clip and save" this list and attach it to the inside of your favorite luggage as a reminder on what to pack before taking to the air. Do Not Pack These Items in Check-In Luggage nor Carry on Board • Radioactive material • Batteries: Wet-type • Firearms: Ammunition, gunpowder, loaded guns, MaceTM, tear gas, or pepper spray and items resembling firearms. (In some cases, firearms can be transported in the check-in baggage or shipped as cargo. They usually have to be declared, the ammunition removed and packaged separately, and the weapons have to be placed in locked containers.) Always contact the airline for their policy and procedures because each airline varies. Remember, you can be fined, prosecuted, or both for illegally carrying a weapon at the airport or on a flight. Law enforcement personnel needing to travel with their weapons should check with their air carrier ahead of time for any special procedures they need to follow. • Fireworks: Sparklers, signal flares, or other explosives • Pressure containers: Spray cans (deodorants, hairspray, paint, etc.), butane fuel, scuba tanks if pressurized, propane, self-inflating rafts Equipment: Containing fuel, poisons, infectious substances, dry ice, wet-cell batteries, and poisons • Household items: Drain cleaners and solvents including paints and paint materials • Personal Items: Propane hair-curler refills • Flammable Liquids or Solids: Lighter Refills, Matches, and Fuel • Trade Tools: Some tools can be shipped as cargo as long as the fuel is removed, but some are considered weapons, e.g. screwdrivers, hammers, large wrenches, etc. Again, check with the airline. You May Pack These Items with Caution • Personal Care Items: Items such as flammable perfumes, aerosols which contain hazardous materials can be carried on board if the contents total no more than 75 fluid ounces and the contents of each container is not more than 16 fluid ounces. Dry Ice: Four pounds or less for packing perishables may be carried on board the aircraft if the package is vented. (Check with the airline before carrying on board.) • Matches and Lighters: May be carried only on your person. Striking matches, lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs, and lighter fluid are prohibited. • Electric Wheelchairs: Disconnect and remove the battery and the battery terminals insulated to prevent shortage. Transport in accordance with the airline requirements. • Carbon Dioxide Gas Cylinders: Worn by passengers to operate mechanical limbs and spares of the same size for the same purpose are permitted in both carry-on and check-in baggage. Note: The items listed may still have additional restrictions attached to them. Also, sometimes there are certain exceptions for medical needs, sporting equipment, and items to support physically challenged passengers. Clip and Save Top Ten Travel Tips for Holiday Flights Thanksgiving and December holidays, traditionally the busiest times of the year for the nation's airlines and airports, are fast approaching. To help travelers minimize delays during the busy holiday season, the FAA today issued some simple suggestions. 1. Arrive early. Holiday crowds coupled with current security measures may increase the time you need to check in. Build even more time into your schedule if you need help with infants, young children, elderly or disabled passengers, or passengers with medical conditions. 2. Parking lots may be full, so consider using public transportation or having a friend drop you off. If you are driving, add extra time to your schedule. 3. Don't leave your car unattended in front of the terminal and be sure to observe all parking restrictions. Because of increased security, local parking rules are being strictly enforced. 4. Keep your photo identification handy. Some airlines require you to have proper identification to fly. If you do not have a photo identification card, make sure you have two pieces of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not required to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security scrutiny. 5. For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number. The Department of Transportation recommends that you provide the information. 6. Keep your eyes open for unattended packages and bags, and report them to authorities. Watch your bags and don't accept packages from strangers. 7. Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Think carefully and answer honestly-history has shown that criminals and terrorists use unwitting passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous items on board aircraft, either by tricking passengers into carrying packages or by simply slipping items into unwatched bags. Answering "yes" to either question will only lead to a little extra scrutiny of the bag. 8. Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your possession. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Penalties can be severe, and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or fines. 9. Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, so it's a good idea to leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. If airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray the contents of a package, they can and will open it, or ask you to open it, for inspection. 10. Leave your firearms at home, and do not pack fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized containers. Remember that violators of hazardous materials regulations are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 per violation, as well as possible criminal prosecution. If you would like to find out if there are any special travel advisories in effect, call the Department of Transportation's Travel Advisory Line at 1-800-221-0673. Courtesy of FAA's Office of Public Affairs. W Just about Everything You Need to Know about Fiber in your Diet The subject of dietary fiber sounds about as dull as flossing your teeth, judging an accordion competition, or updating your Jeppesen charts. But, fiber is the bedrock of all good nutrition. The perfect diet: To meet the dietary guidelines for Americans, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that most of the calories come from whole grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat milk products, lean meats, fish, poultry, and dry beans. Fewer calories should come from fats and sweets. This classic diet contains lots of fiber, a substance found only in plant foods, and is mostly indigestible. The majority of our fiber should come from by Glenn R. Stoutt, Jr., MD whole-grain breads and cereals, There are two types of fiber, classi- What are the benefits of fiber? Blood sugar regulation: Soluble FIBER FACTOIDS High fiber foods are naturally low in fat and cholesterol. Instead of fruit juice, eat the whole fresh fruit, including thin skins and pulp. • It's very important to increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort-go slowly. • You absolutely must drink plenty of water; fiber soaks up loads of it. Avoid "sludge" in your intestinal tract! • Canned beans produce less gas, but are often loaded with salt. People with high blood pressure who should be on a low sodium diet should read all labels carefully and avoid foods with high sodium. One serving of All-Bran supplies almost half the daily requirement of fiber. .Read labels carefully. "Organic" or "natural" really mean nothing, as all foods are both organic and natural. "Lite" and "light" also mean nothing. "Reduced fat" may only mean that some of the fat has been replaced with sugar. "No fat" could be a label for a bowl of pure sugar. Also, read the portion sizes. Some foods are so high in fat, sugar, or salt that the portion recommended may be only a tiny amount. (Called portion distortion.) •No laxatives are ever needed if one supplements his or her diet with sufficient fiber. It is best to obtain fiber from foods, not from concentrates sold in the pharmacy. Foods contain not only fat, protein, carbohydrate, and fiber, but also micro-nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and hundreds of phytochemicals (from "phyto," meaning plant) necessary for good nutrition and health. essential part in the management of diabetes. Obesity control: High fiber diets. help you feel full, slow the emptying of your stomach, and contain fewer calories. Controlling obesity reduces the incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Cancer prevention: High fiber diets may help reduce the risk of cancer of the breast, bladder, and prostate. The International Journal of Cancer (April 12, 1999) reaffirmed the reduced incidence of cancer of the colon and rectum associated with a high fiber diet. Soluble fiber will absorb water and makes stools bulky, causing carcinogens, bile acids, and cholesterol to pass more readily through the intestines. Less constipation, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids: Soft, formed stools solve the problem of constipation. ("Irregularity" is a wuss word.) You are getting enough fiber if your stools float. (Easier gauge than counting fiber grams.) Fiber adds lots of water to hard stools, making them softer, lighter, and much easier to pass. Irritants, wastes, and carcinogens (which are cancerinducing agents) have less time in contact with the intestinal wall. Cholesterol reduction: This is one of the most important effects of a high fiber diet. Cholesterol is an ingredient of bile, which is used in the digestion of certain foods. A large portion of bile (bile acids) is excreted in the intestines and then reabsorbed to make more cholesterol. Soluble fiber sops up these bile acids and then they are excreted in the stool. This process and a decrease in dietary saturat |