Dangerous Goods: The Hidden Risks to Commercial Aviation

This article discusses transport of dangerous goods (i.e., chemical oxygen generators) as cargo on board commercial aviation flights. The implications of carriage of such dangerous goods are not limited only to international commerce, but also extend to areas such as public health (i.e., air shipment of radioactive material for the treatment or diagnosis of disease). Topics addressed include passenger education and the role of airport operators in minimizing risks in air shipment of dangerous goods.