In a closed environment such as an airplane, shuttle, or encapsulated module, it is necessary to check the air filtration system to ensure that air is adequately circulated and purified, so that germs and harmful bacteria do not contaminate the system. A respiratory infection means that pathogens or disease-causing agents have infected the lungs and/or air pathways. Sneezing and coughing spread germs. The "weightlessness" or "free-fall" of an orbiting shuttle complicates things because pathogens are unable to settle out of the air. When the air filtration system is infected, the air filters should be checked. Increasing the rate at which the shuttle's air is run through the air filters would also help remove the pathogens from the air.

QUESTIONS - BACK

Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov