Flight clots 'could be worse than BSE'

British Airways now warns passengers of the need to exercise

Blood clots associated with air travel may pose a bigger long-term health problem than BSE, an MP has warned.

Ministers have responded by promising new regulations to tackle the problem should they be deemed necessary.

John Smith, Labour MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, said it would be foolish to underestimate the potential problem of people who develop life-threatening blood clots on long-haul flights.

Let's do something now before it is too late

John Smith MP

A recent study found that at least one person a month dies of deep vein thrombosis on arrival at London's Heathrow Airport.

The condition can be brought on by long periods of inactivity.

Some experts believe people who travel in cramped economy class conditions may be more at risk. However, the Heathrow study suggested all long-haul travellers may be vulnerable.

Mr Smith said: "This could be a greater problem than that of asbestos. It could even be a greater public health problem than that of BSE. Let's do something now before it is too late.

"There are a number of examples in this country which are quite frankly scandalous.

"People are not told, the airlines are not bringing it to their attention."

Concerns

John Smith MP warned of a major public health problem

Labour's Dr Ian Gibson accused the government and the industry of "complacency" and a "patronising" attitude in the handling of the issue.

Opening a debate in Westminster Hall, Norwich North MP Dr Gibson revealed his wife had suffered from the condition five days after a flight from America.

"There is a whiff of complacency in the air. One death really has to be too many in terms of public flying.

"I have never seen information up front about the kind of hazards that may befall me."

Junior transport minister Chris Mullin insisted the Government was focusing on ensuring information and advice was made available to the public.

An inter-departmental group with members from the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department of Health, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Executive, was being created to work with airline companies.

If it emerges that regulation on health grounds is necessary we will not hesitate to act

Chris Mullin, Transport Minister

The government would initiate "whatever research is necessary" to obtain a clear picture of the relationship between air travel and DVT, although it was "extremely difficult" to identify how many cases were wholly attributal to long-haul flights, he said.

"If it emerges that regulation on health grounds is necessary we will not hesitate to act but a trade-off between price and comfort is not an appropriate area for regulation.

"Many people are prepared to put up with some discomfort if it means that air fares are within financial reach."

Mr Mullin rubbished claims by the Director of the Aviation Health Institute Farrol Kahn that the government had ignored warnings about the problem.