Tag: aerotoxic

Aerotoxic Syndrome : A new occupational disease?

Background

Concerns related to adverse health effects experienced by aircrew exposed to aircraft contaminated air have been ongoing for over 6 decades.

Unfiltered breathing air is supplied to the cabin via the engine compressor. The likelihood that oil leaking over the engine oil seals may enter the cabin air supply has prompted continuing debate about the hazards associated with exposure to neurotoxic substances and to the thermally degraded or pyrolysed mixture.

In this study, we undertook an in-depth investigation of aircrew involved in suspected aircraft contaminated air events.

Methods

Two studies were conducted to review the circumstances and symptoms of a cohort of aircrew working in the pressurized air environment of aircraft. A table of effects was then used for categorizing symptoms and reviewing other sources of data related to aircraft fluids and selected other conditions.

Results

Both acute and chronic exposures to neurotoxic and a wide range of thermally degraded substances were confirmed, along with a clear pattern of acute and chronic adverse effects. The latter were supported by medical findings and diagnoses, notably involving the neurological, neurobehavioural and respiratory systems.

Conclusion

A clear cause and effect relationship has been identified linking the symptoms, diagnoses and findings to the occupational environment. Recognition of this new occupational disorder and a clear medical investigation protocol are urgently needed.

Engine bearing oil leak on compressor blades in CFM56-7 engine on a Boeing 737. This oil leak was within acceptable manufacturer limits and this engine is still fully serviceable.
Yep we know the Irish Air Corps don’t have any 737 aircraft but this Boeing Aircraft Maintenance Manual shows engine bearing compressor oil leaks are routine and don’t necessarily cause the engine to become U/S.

Download scientific research paper from the World Health Organisation…

*****

  • This is of relevance for personnel who serve or have served in Air Corps aircraft with bleed air pressurisation systems.
  • This of relevance to personnel who worked closely with turbine engine oils
  • This of relevance to personnel who were tubbed with turbine engine oil.
  • This of relevance to personnel in Engineering Wing hangar who used air tools or respirators fed from the old ERF compressor.

Delay – Deny – Die

Airlines face lawsuits over ‘toxic’ cabin air

Five of the UK’s largest airlines are facing legal action which claims pilots and cabin crew are regularly exposed to toxic fumes during flights.

The Unite union said legal notice has been served in 51 cases, the majority of which are against British Airways.

EasyJet, Thomas Cook, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic are also subject to the legal action over “aerotoxic syndrome”.

The airlines said that previous studies found no proof of long-term ill-health arising from cabin air quality.

The Unite union, which represents airline staff, claims pilots and crew are exposed to frequent “fume events” when air drawn into the aircraft becomes contaminated by toxic compounds.

The union says the fumes, which originate from the oil used to lubricate the jet engines, contain organophosphates and TCP, and that long-term exposure can lead to chronic ill-health and life-threatening conditions.

“Independent expert evidence concludes that air on board jet planes can contain a toxic mix of chemicals and compounds that potentially damage the nervous system and may lead to chronic irreversible health problems in susceptible individuals,” said Unite’s assistant general secretary for legal services, Howard Beckett.

“The airline industry cannot continue to hide from the issue of toxic cabin air whilst placing the health and safety of aircrew at risk.”

‘No safety risk’

British Airways responded that “none of the substantial research conducted over many years” had shown a link between cabin air quality and ill-health.

“We would never operate an aircraft if we believed it posed a health or safety risk to our customers or crew,” British Airways said.

It also pointed to research by the regulator, the European Aviation Safety Agency, which concluded that the aircraft air quality was “similar or better than that observed in normal indoor environments”.

Inquiry

As well as backing the legal action, the union is calling for an inquiry into the safety of cabin air. It suggests different oils could be used to lubricate engines that are less likely to leak toxic fumes.

It is calling for better monitoring of cabin air and the installation of air filters.

Read full article on Irish Examiner website below…

See list of Aerotoxic Symptoms below…

“Toxic air” claims: Industry “not looking for the evidence”

*****

These cases may be very significant for Air Corps Chemical Abuse Survivors.

Delay – Deny – Die