Focus Hawaii Riki Stevens "Plane Truth"

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Riki Stevens

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this compelling 1995 episode of Focus Hawaii features Riki Stevens, a former flight attendant turned airline‑health activist, whose 24 years in commercial aviation—including flying troop transports during the Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive—led her to investigate the hidden health risks of frequent flying. Drawing on more than a decade of research, Freedom‑of‑Information‑Act struggles, and collaboration with NASA medical experts and investigative journalists, Stevens discusses her book Plane Truth: Tips for Combating the Health and Safety Perils of Flying. Throughout the episode she outlines the documented dangers of modern air travel: reduced cabin oxygen, inefficient air‑exchange systems, clogged vents, high‑altitude radiation, chemical exposure, dehydration, and increased risks for crew members including cancers, sinus issues, arthritis, and varicose veins. She offers practical advice on seat selection, food and water safety, immune support, antioxidant use, and protecting medically vulnerable passengers—especially children and those recovering from illness or radiation treatment. Stevens also sheds light on activism within the airline industry, international policy differences, and continuing resistance from agencies like the FAA. With clarity and urgency, she encourages travelers to take an active role in safeguarding their health before, during, and after flying.

Length of Video

00:29:19

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

Fall 10-10-1995

Keywords

Lance Chase, Focus Hawaii, Riki Stevens, Plane Truth, airline health activist, flight attendant health risks, aviation safety, cabin air quality, air recirculation problems, high‑altitude radiation, FAA oversight, Senate testimony, Cavanaugh Equality bill, immune support for flying, antioxidant use, dehydration on airplanes, passenger protection tips, children’s safety on flights, Concorde radiation exposure, Vietnam troop flights, frequent flyer health, naturopathic cleansing after flying, mask use on airplanes, airline environmental hazards

Disciplines

Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Stevens, Riki, "Focus Hawaii Riki Stevens "Plane Truth"" (1995). Focus Hawaii. 47.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/47