Toxic Cabin Air

We all know that flying comes with risks but, are you aware of the risks that aren't well advertised? There is a well-kept secret in the commercial airline industry that airline passengers and employees should know: cabin air breathed by passengers and flight crew can become contaminated with toxic by-products from jet engine oil. Many passengers and airline employees alike are exposed to this contaminated cabin air in what is now known as "fume events." Long-term exposure to toxic cabin air can have serious health effects. The term Aerotoxic Syndrome describes acquired acute & chronic ill health caused by exposure to toxic oil fumes present in the breathing air of most commercial jets. Unaware, thousands of people suffer every day, without knowing about this hidden health and safety hazard. Symptoms of Aerotoxic Syndrome can include: nausea, vomiting, rashes, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, headaches, blurred vision, gastrointestinal difficulties, decreased motor skills, numbness and tingling in arms, hands and feet, joint and muscle pain, tremors, balance problems and residual cognitive impairment such as memory loss, trouble concentrating and difficulty with reading or writing.

Over the past several decades, the commercial airline industry has been called out and brought to court dozens of times. For example, an investigation confirmed that Boeing (a major airline manufacturer) was aware that fume events were occurring aboard their aircrafts, causing toxic air to enter the cabin. If Boeing was unaware of the harmful effects of fume events, one could justify this; however, Boeing was in fact aware of the serious health problems related to contaminated air exposure. Despite this knowledge, Boeing never designed, installed or retrofitted its aircrafts with either alarms or sensors so the flight crew and passengers could receive immediate warnings of a fume event and take countermeasures.

This is a serious problem… one that should NOT be ignored. KJC Law Firm is actively reaching out to flight crew and avid travelers to offer informational resources and potential legal support.

If you or a loved one developed injuries following a flight where you believe the cabin air was contaminated, please call us at (617) 720-8447 or email attorney John Martin at Jmartin@KJClawfirm.com.

To learn more about this topic, visit the KJC Blog. If you are seeking published materials and evidence, here are additional FREE Public Resources:

2009 FAA funded Medical Protocol (3 Versions):

• Short
• Long
• General