Health

Explosive new Documentary Uncovers Controversial Subject of Toxic Air on Flights

Published

5 years ago

September 30, 2019

A new documentary is making international headlines after it revealed a damning picture of the airline industry and the issue of air toxicity affecting travellers around the world.

“Everybody Flies” takes a deep look at air travel, and highlights a problem that has plagued the aviation industry for more than 50 years where toxic air and fumes end up getting circulated in cabins.

The revealing findings show that people are being regularly exposed to toxic air, and the problem is most notable for pilots and air crew that are having to inhale the fumes for much longer. In fact, just this month, there were more than 19 reported cases of air toxicity, with chemicals leaking into aircraft cabins, where passengers had to evacuate via emergency slides, or were even forced to breathe in thick smoke before disembarking.

The problem is wide-spread and one of the worst-kept secrets in the airline business. The documentary shows research and findings from a former airline captain, Tristan Loraine, who also produced and directed the film along with co-director Beth Moran.

The documentary recently premiered in London at the Raindance Film Festival, and was well received by critics. Airlines have been under pressure due to a myriad of safety issues surrounding toxic air, and there are a number of legal cases pending from cabin crew that have been exposed to chemicals during flights throughout the course of their careers.

“Everybody Flies” is a crowdfunded project, and the film’s producers are raising awareness about the problem so that the airline industry will take responsibility to adjust engine designs to ensure that chemicals don’t end up being mixed into the normal air supply passengers breathe during a flight.

Air toxicity is common and it is often the case that passengers are unaware that the air they are breathing has a mixture of chemical components used to lubricate a plane’s engines. These chemicals often have no smell, and therefore people don’t know that they are in fact being exposed to toxins that are harmful to health.

Should the airline industry take more action to resolve this problem?

Health

Dr. Raghu Athré: Beyond the Surface: The Mind-Skin Connection in Aesthetic Medicine

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Michelle Langton

Before becoming one of the most sought-after facial cosmetic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Raghu Athré’s academic journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering. His deep-rooted passion for understanding how things work—both functionally and aesthetically—laid the foundation for his career in plastic surgery. For Dr. Athré, the parallels between engineering and surgery are unmistakable: both require precision, analysis, attention to detail, and strategic problem-solving.

Dr. Athré’s expertise extends beyond surgical precision. He recognizes that beauty is not just skin deep—stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being play critical roles in dermatological and aesthetic concerns. This understanding has led him to explore the field of psychodermatology, a specialty that examines the powerful connection between mental health and skin conditions.

“Psychodermatology has become a buzzword ever since a strong relationship was shown between acne patients and depression.” said Dr. Athré. “To treat these patients effectively, physicians must address both the patient’s acne and depression simultaneously for optimal results. This highlights the connection between how we look and how we feel.”

A similar trend is evident among many of Dr. Athré’s facial rejuvenation patients. Unscripted patient interviews reveal that patients feel more awake, alert, confident, and self-assured after surgery. This pattern is also observed in many rhinoplasty patients, who often change how they engage with the world post-surgery due to increased self-confidence. These observations underscore the importance of a holistic approach to patient care in contemporary aesthetic medicine.

What is Psychodermatology?

Psychodermatology examines the intricate relationship between the mind and skin, focusing on how psychological stress and emotional well-being directly influence skin health. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even premature aging have been linked to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. This field bridges dermatology with psychological and emotional care, offering a more holistic approach to skincare and aesthetic treatments.

The mind-skin connection becomes particularly evident when a patient’s emotional state exacerbates or triggers skin conditions. For example, stress-induced acne breakouts are a common issue, as the body’s response to emotional stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations, which in turn affect the skin. Similarly, individuals battling with anxiety or depression may experience worsened symptoms of psoriasis or eczema, as emotional distress can amplify the immune response.

An Approach to Aesthetic and Skin Wellness

The rise of psychodermatology marks a shift in how both patients and healthcare providers approach skin conditions. Instead of viewing the skin as merely a surface to treat, psychodermatology emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological health in the overall management of skin conditions. Patients dealing with skin issues are encouraged to address their emotional well-being as part of their skincare regimen, fostering not just physical but mental health in tandem.

This field also highlights the importance of treating the patient as a whole person rather than focusing solely on external beauty. While cosmetic procedures can improve physical appearance, psychodermatology helps ensure that patients are also given the tools to support their mental health, which plays a key role in maintaining long-term skin wellness.

Bridging Aesthetics, Science, and Mental Well-Being

As the understanding of psychodermatology continues to grow, there is increasing recognition of the need to treat mental health concerns in conjunction with skin conditions. Innovative treatments are emerging that combine dermatological care with psychological interventions, offering patients an integrated approach to wellness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, for example, can be used alongside traditional dermatological treatments to reduce stress and improve skin health.

The future of aesthetic medicine is poised to be more inclusive, recognizing that true beauty encompasses not just a person’s outward appearance but their emotional and mental well-being as well. As psychodermatology continues to evolve, it offers the potential to transform how we approach skin care, focusing not just on the exterior but on the holistic well-being of the individual.

By merging the science of dermatology with the psychology of the mind, psychodermatology provides a groundbreaking approach to skincare—one that is as much about healing the mind as it is about enhancing the skin.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raghu Athré, visit https://www.athrefacialplastics.com/facial-surgery/facial-rejuvenation/ or call 281-214-9324