Many common items used for medical or first aid purposes may seem harmless, but due to their physical and chemical properties, they can be very dangerous when transported by air. Check-in staff must seek confirmation from passengers about the contents of any item or package that they suspect may contain dangerous substances.

Below is a list of articles or substances used for medical or first-aid purposes that may contain dangerous substances. Dangerous substances or goods associated with each are explained in the accompanying text. If there is a possibility that the items you are attempting to bring on-board may contain dangerous substances, you will be prevented from doing so by check-in staff.

Cryogenic liquids – These may include refrigerated liquefied gases such as argon, helium, neon or nitrogen.

Dental apparatus – These may contain flammable resins or solvents, compressed or liquefied gas, mercury and radioactive material.

Diagnostic specimens – These may contain infectious substances.

Frozen embryos - These may be packed in refrigerated liquefied gas or dry ice.

Laboratory/testing equipment – These items may meet any of the criteria for dangerous goods, particularly flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, organic peroxides, toxic or corrosives substances.

Medical supplies - These may contain items meeting any of the criteria for dangerous goods, particularly flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, organic peroxides, toxic or corrosive substances.

Pharmaceuticals – These items may meet any of the criteria for dangerous goods, particularly radioactive material, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, organic peroxides, toxic or corrosive substances.

Samples for testing - These may contain items meeting any of the criteria for dangerous goods, particularly infectious substances, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, organic peroxides, toxic or corrosive substances.

Semen – Samples may be packed with dry ice or refrigerated liquefied gas.

Vaccines - These may be packed in dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).

For more information on Medical and First Aid Articles contact your airline operator or one of our Regional Offices.