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IAF: Majority of F-16I pilots exposed to carcinogenic material
Hanan Greenberg
Published: 23.03.08, 21:01
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1. What is or are the carcinogens in the planes?
Rivkah   (03.23.08)
If plastics, the pilots should take beta-sitosterols in capsule form daily to pull out the phthlates (plastic particles). If radioactive or nonradioactive toxic heavy metals, the pilots should take a six month course of therapy of RepairACell capsules and Detoxamin EDTA rectal suppositories. If radioactive isotopes are the problem, try to figure out which one and take the antidote to protect the body organ part that would affect. For example, if the radioactive isotope is Iodine-131, then a potassium iodate tablet should be taken to protect the thyroid gland. If a petroleum distillate, the pilots should pull that out with a daily dose of 200mg to 250mg of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). etc.
2. IDF
Abir ,   Chicago, IL   (03.23.08)
I hope this will be handled better than the naval frogmen who in the course of their training were exposed to the foul, polluted, murky waters of the Kishon RIver & Haifa bay. Today, many of them have been diagnosed with cancer and are fighting a prolonged battle with the Ministry of Defense over their recognition as disabled veterans, and the costs of treatment. Hopefully, the MOD & IDF handle this differently.
3. chemical health and safety
avrom ,   bet shemesh   (03.23.08)
why does not the Air force appoint an ex pilot who is interested in environmental hazards to check all chemical substances used in the air force the naval commando had a similar problem a few years ago
4. grounding is not the solution
observer   (03.23.08)
Pilots have to be banned from entering the F-16I's without oxygen masks. You would be spared the spillage of carcinogenic material and spared that pungent odor.
5. Risk Overblown
Mike Jefferson ,   Washington, D.C.   (03.24.08)
The amount of formaldehyde exposure is rather minimal. Doctors and morticians are exposed to much higher levels without injury. Can I sell you a CFL? Nevermind the mercury, you're saving the planet!
6. What's the real reason?
Joel ,   Helsinki, Finland   (03.24.08)
I work with organic synthesis and frequently use (and inhale some) formaldehyde. Yes, it's irritating and can be carcinogenic in very high quantities, but most chemists and medical professionals are probably exposed to much higher concentrations. Even the normal public will inhale formaldehyde, since it's found in tobacco, various plastics, dugs, etc. Yeah, It's good to get rid of it, but it shouldn't be reason enough for all this hassle and I'm sure IAF has one or two competent chemists who know this. So, what's the real reason the planes are gounded?
7. Warfare is not without risk.
Zooog ,   US   (03.24.08)
8. HERE IS WHY JOEL...
Joel ,   Canada   (03.24.08)
The real reason is that it is a decoy to draw fire but I won’t tell you which enemies Israel is drawing, we all know Israel has no problem giving cancer to its soldiers with all the proven claims that are made each year but are ignored.
9. Since the carcinogen is formadehyde according to one tb...
Rivkah   (03.24.08)
dry clean or wash with soapy water the fabrics that are offensive to dilute the formadehyde that is in the sizing of new fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. When buying new clothes or getting new carpeting or upholstery it is well to remember that, too: clean them even when new. Breathing in formaldehyde is particularly dangerous if meats preserved with nitrates are eaten. The nitrates and formadehyde in the body combine to form a chemical that can cause brain cancer. Drinking diet sodas that have aspartame that got hot in the sun increases the formaldehyde in the body, too, since aspartame metabolizes with heat to formaldehyde. Pilots should be told not to eat meats processed with nitrates and aspartame laced diet sodas together.
10. Toxic planes
air quality expert ,   LA USA   (03.24.08)
Sounds to me like another media sensationalism. Formaldehyde is a common chemical used in multitude of manufactured products. At least in the USA it used to be used as a strong disinfectant. I am surprised that pilots who use breathing apparatus during flights are said to be exposed to residual vapors in cockpits.
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