It happens on every flight. It’s something everyone notices, no one likes, and nobody really talks about it.

I’m talking about flatulence on airplanes. Even though nobody’s likely to mention it on the ground or in the air, there’s actual research about it.

So let me tell you the latest scientific discoveries about the unmentionable gas in the air. First, there’s a bit of physics involved that actually makes flatulence more likely to be an issue on a flight than on the ground.

Danish researcher Jacob Rosenberg of the University of Copenhagen found that when pressure drops in the cabin, the gases within us expand–up to 30% in volume.

Airlines are aware of the issue, and many have installed charcoal filters in their air conditioning systems to absorb odors.

Rosenberg further discovered that airlines purposefully make sure that the food served is low in fiber and high in carbs in hopes of reducing in-flight gas production.

If you want to minimize both your embarrassment and discomfort as well as the discomfort of others on the plane, you may want to invest in what the American Journal of Gastroenterology calls the most effective filter, one that eliminates almost 100% of the offending odor: charcoal-lined underwear.

I’m serious. By the way, the publication did not mention a preference for boxers or briefs.

 

By Arnie Weissmann for PeterGreenberg.com