The Canadian Transportation Agency has ordered Air Canada to create a formal policy that includes nut- and peanut-free “buffer zones” on its airplanes when a person allergic to these foods is on board. In its ruling, published January 7, the agency also declared peanut and tree nut allergies a “disability” in the context of air travel.

The buffer zones would only be available if a passenger gives the airline advance notice of the allergy. At that point, the airline would not serve nuts or peanuts in that area, and people sitting in that area would be asked not to consume foods that contain nuts or tree nuts.

The ruling is a result of complaints to the CTA from Sophia Huyer and Rhonda Nugent, on behalf of her daughter, about how Air Canada handled these allergies on their flights. Huyer once spent 40 minutes in the washroom on a flight while attendants served nuts to the rest of the passengers. – Claire Gagné

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Samantha Yaffe’s frank take on motherhood with food allergies.

Blog Post: United We Stand, Right?

Sam has heard it all: from parents who presume allergy parents are “hysterical” to those who bemoan school accommodations. But these days, she is disturbed by a divide within the allergic community.

In her new blog post, Sam identifies an “us and them” mentality expressed by some parents of children with allergies other than peanuts. Her view is that anger over strides made on peanut allergy hits the wrong target. There’s a better way, Sam contends. Read more and let her know what you think.

The new Winter issue is on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Chapters and Allergicliving.com

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Did you know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers indoor air one of the Top Five environmental health risks? Yikes, it’s true: pollution inside our homes can be two to five times higher than the air outdoors. Take stock of our own habits that can be to blame, and find out how to improve the air your family breathes in our feature Beware the Air.
Also see: Plants That Clean Your Air.