www.Aerotoxic.org
For more information on toxiccabin air visit www.Aerotoxic.org
Please donate to help blood testing for toxins
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/toxic-oil-fumes-onboard-give-ten-get-ten#/
Friends Don’t Let Friends Breathe Oil Fumes on Aircraft: GIVE TEN, GET TEN
Calling everyone who flies: join our GIVE TEN, GET TEN campaign to make air travel healthier. GIVE $10 (or 10 of any currency) to a university research team to develop a blood test for airline crews and passengers (read on...). GET 10 of your Facebook friends (or any friends, or even people you don't like!) to do the same...
Ever smelled dirty socks during an airline flight? A dirty socks smell coming from the aircraft air supply vents is likely to be engine oil fumes in the ventilation air. You read that right: the air that comes through the cabin and flight deck vents is first compressed in the engines, and it isn’t filtered before you breathe it. Many crew unions around the world receive regular reports from members who report dirty socks or musty fumes in the cabin supply air, followed by problems with memory, balance, and speech, for example. Nobody thinks it will happen to them, until it does.
Every day, just in the US alone, there is an official report of toxic oil fumes contaminating the air you breathe on regular commercial flights. Let alone the many more reports documented around the globe. Aviation engine oils contain neurotoxic additives, so breathing the fumes can cause lasting damage to your brain. Also, flight safety can be compromised when crews are impaired inflight. You will meet some affected crewmembers in our video.
Flight Attendants Sue-Update
Boeing sued over toxic cabin air
A law suit has been filed against Boeing for known design defects which allow toxic fumes to enter the cabin of the airplane.. Boeing is not the only aircraft designed this way. Read other articles on this website for the history behind toxic cabin air and aerotoxic syndrome.
Resource Links
{all_weblinks num_cols=[1] display_ldescription=[1]?}6{/all_weblinks}
RECOVERY RESOURCES
For more information about tosic cabin air also see www.Aerotoxic.org
Resources for Health and Sources of InformationTrue North Health (Distilled water fast)
Dr. Alan Goldhamer, D.C.
1551 Pacific Ave.
Santa Rosa,CA 95404
www.healthpromoting.com
www.orthopathy.net
International Hygienic Physicians who Support fasting out toxins
Regency Health Spa (Distilled water fasting and juicing fast)
Hallandale Beach Fl
www.regencyhealthspa.com
Judith Murawski Anderson
Industrial Hygienist
Association of Flight Attnedants-CWA, AFL-CIO
www.aerotoxic.org has many resources, including how to purchase a mask for your next flight.
Qi Gong is an excellent source for diet and foods that can aid in ridding the body of toxins. Their book on healing smoothies is of great assistance for anyone fighting suspected exposure. www.QiGong.com
Professor Christopher Van Netten
James Mather Building, Room 5
5804 Fairview Avenue
Vancouver, BCv6T 1Z3
Medical contacts
Through aerotoxic.org
We may be able to assist with more, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Peter Julu
http://www.breakspearmedical.com/
The Environmental Health Center-Dallas
www.ehcd.com
A medical fascility whose emphasis is on the relationship of health to environmental factors, including exposure to toxic chemicals and neurotoxicity.
Passengers Evacuate Smoke Filled Cabin in Denver
On March 4, 2015 U.S. Airways fiight from Charlotte to Denver had to be evacuated when smoke filled the cabin. ABC NEWS click here.
Passengers Evacuate Smoke Filled Cabin in Denver (2)
On March 4, 2015 U.S. Airways fiight from Charlotte to Denver had to be evacuated when smoke filled the cabin. ABC NEWS click here.
Pilot's Autopsy reveals death due to toxins in cabin air
A coroner in Great Britain has filed a document entitled "REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS" about a British pilot's death in which he sets forth his findings that the pilot was exposed to organo phosphates in the cockpit and that the death was related to exposure to these organo phosphates.
Pilot's Autopsy reveals death due to toxins in cabin air (2)
A coroner in Great Britain has filed a document entitled "REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS" about a British pilot's death in which he sets forth his findings that the pilot was exposed to organo phosphates in the cockpit and that the death was related to exposure to these organo phosphates.
Philadelphia bound U.S. Airways Jet has a major fume event
Strange odor on a U.S. Airways caused the plane to do an emergency landing in Rome. Crew and passengers were extrermely ill, vomitting uncontrollably. There will be many very ill people based upon what we are hearing about the extent of this exporure. Please read our information about the effects of toxic exposure and follow this event. Our prayers and wishes go out to those exposed, and our hopes go out that eventually, and now, that something will be done to stop this from happening again.
Philadelphia bound U.S. Airways Jet has a major fume event (2)
Strange odor on a U.S. Airways caused the plane to do an emergency landing in Rome. Crew and passengers were extrermely ill, vomitting uncontrollably. There will be many very ill people based upon what we are hearing about the extent of this exporure. Please read our information about the effects of toxic exposure and follow this event. Our prayers and wishes go out to those exposed, and our hopes go out that eventually, and now, that something will be done to stop this from happening again.
Bleed Less System Now Available to retrofit Commercial Aircraft !!
My Experience and help
Dear Larry and Anna
2. Dr Rea was recommended to Peter by a very respected occupational physician here in Australia who understands aerotoxic syndrome and had Dr Rea's text books (4 volumes) on toxicity. This Australian doctor suggested it might be a good idea to see if there was somewhere that Pete could try the far infrared sauna therapy that Dr Rea uses as part of his treatments.
We then researched on the web etc and decided to go there for treatment. We spent 5 weeks there in Dec 2012. So that Pete did not have to fly there from Australia we went from Sydney to San Diego by ship and then flew from San Diego to Dallas. We had to fly home but by then had bought oil vapour filtering industrial grade 3M masks.
By all means share this information on your website. Dr Rea specialises in environmental medicine, particularly chemical/toxin exposures. He used to be a highly regarded cardiologist but became very ill from the fumes from the anaesthetics in the operating rooms and thus began his journey into environmental medicine as he had to cure himself first!!!!
Pete has since written a very,very detailed summary of his time in Dallas so let me know if you would like to read it and/or have a link to it on your website.
Dee Passon also has a very good website where she shares her healing experiences. David Zaharik has also written extensively about his aerotoxic journey. Dr Sarah Myhill in the UK is also excellent. Maybe you already know about these?
It is important for us all to remember that cabin air exposure will effect every individual differently and symptoms can be very varied and that what has helped one person may not help another, but it is also important for us to at least share what we have all tried and what has improved things, so that others can at least have a headsup on what the available options are and save themselves a lot more ill health and alot of wasted time and money on the endless medical merry-go-round. Jo (and Pete)
Halls Head
Australia
Bleed Less System now Available to Retrofit Commercial Aircraft ! 1
Fly Stream is in aeronautical engineering company based in Prairieville Louisiana. They have designed a bleed less system that can be retrofitted to any commercial aircraft. It has been modeled and analyzed by the Georgia Tech Institute of Aeronautics.
We believe that the FAA is aware of this.
What we need now is for flight crews and the general public to lobby for retrofitting all existing commercial aircraft to prevent injury from exposure to toxic cabin air and Aerotoxic syndrome. There is a patent pending as of September 30, 2014.
This is great news and an amazing breakthrough. Airlines now have no excuse not to accept what is happening and do the right thing, cleanup the air that we breathe when we travel. Tell your friends, co-workers, and write your congressional and senatorial represnetatives. The more they hear this, the better our chances they will finally wake up to what has been happening. And, importantantly this is not a political party issue.
The Movie-A Must See (4)
RECOVERY RESOURCES (2)
Resources for Health and Sources of Information
True North Health (Distilled water fast)
Dr. Alan Goldhamer, D.C.
1551 Pacific Ave.
Santa Rosa,CA 95404
www.healthpromoting.com
www.orthopathy.net
International Hygienic Physicians who Support fasting out toxins
Regency Health Spa (Distilled water fasting and juicing fast)
Hallandale Beach Fl
www.regencyhealthspa.com
Judith Murawski Anderson
Industrial Hygienist
Association of Flight Attnedants-CWA, AFL-CIO
www.aerotoxic.org has many resources, including how to purchase a mask for your next flight.
Qi Gong is an excellent source for diet and foods that can aid in ridding the body of toxins. Their book on healing smoothies is of great assistance for anyone fighting suspected exposure. www.QiGong.com
Professor Christopher Van Netten
James Mather Building, Room 5
5804 Fairview Avenue
Vancouver, BCv6T 1Z3
Medical contacts
Through aerotoxic.org
We may be able to assist with more, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Peter Julu
http://www.breakspearmedical.com/
The Environmental Health Center-Dallas
A medical fascility whose emphasis is on the relationship of health to environmental factors, including exposure to toxic chemicals and neurotoxicity.
RECOVERY RESOURCES
Resources for Health and Sources of Information
True North Health (Distilled water fast)
Dr. Alan Goldhamer, D.C.
1551 Pacific Ave.
Santa Rosa,CA 95404
www.healthpromoting.com
www.orthopathy.net
International Hygienic Physicians who Support fasting out toxins
Regency Health Spa (distilled water fast and juicing fast)
Hallandale Beach Fl
www.regencyhealthspa.com
Judith Murawski Anderson
Industrial Hygienist
Association of Flight Attnedants-CWA, AFL-CIO
www.aerotoxic.org has many resources, including how to purchase a mask for your next flight.
Qi Gong is an excellent source for diet and foods that can aid in ridding the body of toxins. Their book on healing smoothies is of great assistance for anyone fighting suspected exposure. Www.QiGong.com
Professor Christopher Van Netten
James Mather Building, Room 5
5804 Fairview Avenue
Vancouver, BCv6T 1Z3
Medical contacts
through www.aerotoxic.org/
We may be able to assist with more, email us at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Peter Julu
http://www.breakspearmedical.com/
The Movie-A Must See (3)
Still unsure about toxic exposure on airlines. A full length documentary produced by Captain Tristan Loraine.
"This movie will play an important role in making air travel safer for everyone who flies"
See "A Dark Reflection" now.
The Movie-A Must See
Still unsure about toxic exposure on airlines. A full length documentary produced by Captain Tristan Loraine.
"This movie will play an important role in making air travel safer for everyone who flies"
See "A Dark Reflection" now. Click Here.
The Movie-A Must See (2)
Still unsure about toxic exposure on airlines. A full length documentary produced by Captain Tristan Loraine.
"This movie will play an important role in making air travel safer for everyone who flies"
See "A Dark Reflection" now. Click Here.
ARTICLES AND MEDIA CABIN TOXIC EXPOSURE
Toxic air plane crash warning
PASSENGER jets risk “dropping out of the sky” because airlines refuse to fit detectors that could save pilots from poisonous cabin air, a toxicologist told the Sunday Express.
Professor Chris van Netten, former US government adviser, says the industry is putting profits before the health and safety of passengers or crew.
He says that by failing to fit monitors that can “easily” detect leaks of odorless, colorless and toxic carbon monoxide, there is always the risk that pilots could inhale fumes and be rendered incapable of safely flying the plane.
Professor van Netten, who is Canadian, is a world authority on bleed-air contamination.
He said: “Carbon monoxide is a relatively rare event but it’s an acute one that can bring an aircraft down.
“When it happens you want to know what is going on because it is incapacitating and you want to be able to flush it out.
“If you can put detectors in the home, why not put them in the aircraft?”
He says they could avert “the worst situation that can make a plane drop out of the sky” and adds that fitting them as standard is “the least” airlines can do.
He claims the failure to fit detectors is symptomatic of a general attitude in the industry towards concerns over cabin air, adding: “If they were to officially admit the aircraft air was not healthy, they are in big trouble financially. They would be bankrupt.” The professor’s warning comes amid growing concern about the safety of cabin air. Last Sunday we revealed that two top British Airways pilots, Richard Westgate and Karen Lysakowska, had died within a month of each other aged 43.
Toxic air plane crash warning (2)
PASSENGER jets risk “dropping out of the sky” because airlines refuse to fit detectors that could save pilots from poisonous cabin air, a toxicologist told the Sunday Express.
Professor Chris van Netten, former US government adviser, says the industry is putting profits before the health and safety of passengers or crew.
He says that by failing to fit monitors that can “easily” detect leaks of odorless, colorless and toxic carbon monoxide, there is always the risk that pilots could inhale fumes and be rendered incapable of safely flying the plane.
Professor van Netten, who is Canadian, is a world authority on bleed-air contamination.
He said: “Carbon monoxide is a relatively rare event but it’s an acute one that can bring an aircraft down.
“When it happens you want to know what is going on because it is incapacitating and you want to be able to flush it out.
“If you can put detectors in the home, why not put them in the aircraft?”
He says they could avert “the worst situation that can make a plane drop out of the sky” and adds that fitting them as standard is “the least” airlines can do.
He claims the failure to fit detectors is symptomatic of a general attitude in the industry towards concerns over cabin air, adding: “If they were to officially admit the aircraft air was not healthy, they are in big trouble financially. They would be bankrupt.” The professor’s warning comes amid growing concern about the safety of cabin air. Last Sunday we revealed that two top British Airways pilots, Richard Westgate and Karen Lysakowska, had died within a month of each other aged 43.
ALERT ALERT ALERT!!!!
ALERT ALERT ALERT!!!!
If you are a Pilot in the right circles, you might already know that some of the toxic chemicals on or around the Airplanes can cause your hormones to drop to the level of an 80 year old.This happens with T.O.C.P and pesticides.If you have been flying for more than a few years, you need to check it out.
I was in HRC Medical for my medical. There are some Airline Pilots that have taken action, and are talking among themselves about the problem. Please Please Please!!! I can not stress this enough...have your hormone levels checked by a Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist. It can save your health. What could be worse that an Airline Pilot with a low Testosterone Level....male or female for that matter. Both would have foggy thinking and bad reflexes. I can not think of anything worse...can you?
HRC Medical is a good one for starters
Best of Health to you,
Anna Denney-Sandefer
5 Taken to Hospital After Plane Diverted to Philly
Fire department officials say five people were taken to a hospital from a plane diverted to Philadelphia International Airport after crew members reported feeling ill due to an odor on board.
Airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said US Airways flight 720 had taken off from Charlotte, N.C. bound for Rome, but diverted to Philadelphia shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday after crew members became nauseous.
US Airways spokesman Todd Lehmacher said the pilot decided to divert the aircraft "out of an abundance of caution" and five crew members were seen by a paramedic. They were then taken to a hospital for observation.
Lehmacher said no illnesses were reported among any of the 176 passengers. He said the plane will continue to Rome with a new crew early Wednesday.
Toxic Free Airlines
Check out toxicfreeairlines.com
Have you experienced ill health as a result of flying as a passenger or crew member? If so, help us to start compiling data that airlines and regulators will not be able to ignore. Please list each member of the travelling party.
Fill in your details in the register below and check back to find out if other passengers from your flight have registered.
They have an online survey here
TFA Crew Health Survey Oct 2011
Toxic Free Airlines (2)
Check out toxicfreeairlines.com
Have you experienced ill health as a result of flying as a passenger or crew member? If so, help us to start compiling data that airlines and regulators will not be able to ignore. Please list each member of the travelling party.
Fill in your details in the register below and check back to find out if other passengers from your flight have registered.
They have an online survey here
TFA Crew Health Survey Oct 2011
THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO OIL FUMES ON AN AIRCRAFT?
FIND OUT. GET TESTED. (NOTICE: this procedure is not available and has been disallowed. We are leaving it here to demonstrate what was attempted to be set up for testing potential exposure through a flight attendant union, but rejected)
Click here for all four forms you will need to have your blood analyzed for at least one form of the neurotoxic engine oil additives called tricresyl phosphates. To have your blood tested, it must be drawn within 48 hours of suspected/confirmed exposure to aviation engine oil fumes. Note that the University of Nebraska research team cannot know the identity of the blood donor (crew member/passenger), so the blood sample must be coded and shipped by a physician/laboratory staff.
If you would like to send a blood sample, here are step-by-step instructions:
1) Read this letter;
2) Take the blood draw/shipping instructions and blood test requisition form to a doctor or lab.
Susan Michealis
BEEN EXPOSED TO OIL FUMES ON AN AIRCRAFT?
FIND OUT. GET TESTED.
Click here for all four forms you will need to have your blood analyzed for at least one form of the neurotoxic engine oil additives called tricresyl phosphates. To have your blood tested, it must be drawn within 48 hours of suspected/confirmed exposure to aviation engine oil fumes. Note that the University of Nebraska research team cannot know the identity of the blood donor (crewmember/passenger), so the blood sample must be coded and shipped by a physician/laboratory staff.
If you would like to send a blood sample, here are step-by-step instructions:
- 1)Read this letter;
- 2)Take the blood draw/shipping instructions and blood test requisition form to a doctor or lab.
You will need to have 50 ml of blood drawn within 48 hours of suspected exposure to oil fumes. Typically, airline clinic/urgent care/ERs will not cooperate with the necessary blood draw/shipping, making it very difficult to get your blood drawn in time. Click here for option to get blood drawn quickly, without a doctor’s note. If someone other than your doctor draws your blood, make sure you give them the name/address/fax number of your doctor to whom you want the blood test result sent. They need to write it on the Blood Test Requisition Form.)
- 3)Pay for the blood draw/shipping; and
- 4)Complete this study participant questionnaire.
A member of the research team at the University of Nebraska will notify the lab/doctor of the blood test result (positive/negative). For comparison purposes, the researchers welcome samples from people who were on a flight with affected individuals, but did not experience symptoms themselves, as well as from crewmembers that have not flown on an aircraft for at least three months.
The availability of this blood test is a significant milestone in the journey to enable crews and passengers to demonstrate exposure to engine oil fumes on aircraft, and to better understand both biochemical markers and health impacts of exposure. The University of Nebraska researchers will provide a test result (positive/negative) to prospective participants, but the test is still technically in the research phase. The team continues to accept and analyze a variety of blood samples, expecting to confirm their findings-to-date and to further investigate the biochemical markers of tricresyl phosphate exposures. The research is being led by Professor Oksana Lockridge who is the world’s expert in the butyryl cholinesterase enzyme that forms the basis of this blood test.
Prof. Clem Furlong at the Univ. of Washington (UW) continues his TCP blood test development, and is still accepting and storing samples. of blood drawn within two weeks of suspected exposure to oil fumes. Find more information on Prof. Furlong’s research here.
Susan Michealis (2)
BEEN EXPOSED TO OIL FUMES ON AN AIRCRAFT?
FIND OUT. GET TESTED.
Click here for all four forms you will need to have your blood analyzed for at least one form of the neurotoxic engine oil additives called tricresyl phosphates. To have your blood tested, it must be drawn within 48 hours of suspected/confirmed exposure to aviation engine oil fumes. Note that the University of Nebraska research team cannot know the identity of the blood donor (crewmember/passenger), so the blood sample must be coded and shipped by a physician/laboratory staff.
If you would like to send a blood sample, here are step-by-step instructions:
- 1)Read this letter;
- 2)Take the blood draw/shipping instructions and blood test requisition form to a doctor or lab.
You will need to have 50 ml of blood drawn within 48 hours of suspected exposure to oil fumes. Typically, airline clinic/urgent care/ERs will not cooperate with the necessary blood draw/shipping, making it very difficult to get your blood drawn in time. Click here for option to get blood drawn quickly, without a doctor’s note. If someone other than your doctor draws your blood, make sure you give them the name/address/fax number of your doctor to whom you want the blood test result sent. They need to write it on the Blood Test Requisition Form.)
- 3)Pay for the blood draw/shipping; and
- 4)Complete this study participant questionnaire.
A member of the research team at the University of Nebraska will notify the lab/doctor of the blood test result (positive/negative). For comparison purposes, the researchers welcome samples from people who were on a flight with affected individuals, but did not experience symptoms themselves, as well as from crewmembers that have not flown on an aircraft for at least three months.
The availability of this blood test is a significant milestone in the journey to enable crews and passengers to demonstrate exposure to engine oil fumes on aircraft, and to better understand both biochemical markers and health impacts of exposure. The University of Nebraska researchers will provide a test result (positive/negative) to prospective participants, but the test is still technically in the research phase. The team continues to accept and analyze a variety of blood samples, expecting to confirm their findings-to-date and to further investigate the biochemical markers of tricresyl phosphate exposures. The research is being led by Professor Oksana Lockridge who is the world’s expert in the butyryl cholinesterase enzyme that forms the basis of this blood test.
Prof. Clem Furlong at the Univ. of Washington (UW) continues his TCP blood test development, and is still accepting and storing samples. of blood drawn within two weeks of suspected exposure to oil fumes. Find more information on Prof. Furlong’s research here.
Fume Event Now Considered "BIO HAZARD" In Canada
Cabin Air Quality and “Fume Events” Update Occupation Health and Safety - Newsletter #01 January 11, 2012
Fellow pilots,
Over time, the OHS Committees of ACPA have received progressively more reports and information related to “fumes events.” In view of the information available to us, we think that some clarification is required with respect to the following:
The possible sources of “fumes”; The contents of “fumes”; The potential health effects for pilots and other aircraft occupants exposed to fumes; and The QRH checklists available to us and the importance of donning masks and landing ASAP as per the QRH when
the situation warrants.
Inhalable Toxic Chemicals in Aircraft Cabin Air
THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO OIL FUMES ON AN AIRCRAFT?
The Workshop "Inhalable Toxic Chemicals in Aircraft Cabin Air" (ITCOBA), held on 11
Cranfield University Seminar Press Release
October 2011 at Cranfield University, was organized in order to respond to the disinformation that has increasingly surrounded the issue of whether aircraft cabin air is contaminated with organophosphate neurotoxins, and whether those substances caused ill-health.
The issue has most recently been brought into focus by the publication earlier this year, by the UK Department of Transport, of the "Aircraft Cabin Air Sampling Study" reporting work carried out by the Institute of Environment and Health at Cranfield University. This report actually found significant concentrations of organophosphate neurotoxins and other noxious substances in cabin air even under normal flying conditions. Unfortunately, the final conclusion of the report is the statement: "With respect to the conditions of flight that were experienced during the study, there was no evidence for target pollutants occurring in the cabin at levels exceeding available health and safety standards and guidelines." The first phrase underlines the fact that the study failed to achieve measurement of a "fume event", even though that was one of its principal objectives. Even for "normal flying conditions" the purported conclusion is irrelevant because no standards are available for some of the most problematical substances. Nevertheless, despite the fact that this "conclusion" is neither sound nor justified by the actual work carried out, it has been carelessly and uncritically quoted, including by the UK Minister for Transport Theresa Villiers, and widely used to infer that there is no safety and health problem.
US Airways crew members file lawsuit over fumes
US Airways crew members file lawsuit over fumes
/ Nby RICHARD DEVAYNEewsChannel 36
Bio | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Follow: @richardwcncWCNC.com
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 5:25 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sixteen US Airways crew members have filed a lawsuit against an airline maintenance company, claiming the company failed to adequately do its job.
The lawsuit against ST Aerospace Mobile was filed in an Alabama circuit court.
The crew members said they were exposed to toxic fumes from a leak on a plane, causing a number of health issues; including sore throats, headaches and cognitive difficulties.
On a March flight from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Jamaica nine people, including passengers and crew members, became so sick they had to be hospitalized.
"As a result of the fume events that they (crew members) were a part of, they have been unable to get back to the life they had before," said Jay Howanitz of the Spohrer & Dodd law firm.
The suit claims that crews from ST Aerospace inspected and provided maintenance on a U.S. Airways Boeing 767 plane with the tail number of 0251 in December of 2008.
The lawsuit also said that despite complaints about the plane, it was allowed back into service and flew on several flights from December of 2009 to April of 2010. According to the lawsuit, crew members and passengers were exposed to toxic fumes from the plane's ventilation during that time.
ST Aerospace plans to comment on the lawsuit after it has a chance to look over the documents.
The lawsuit does not name U.S. Airways, but the plaintiffs’ lawyer says they could name other entities once more information comes to light.
Boeing suit settlement
Boeing suit settlement stirs jetliner air safety debate
Documents show firm long concerned about health risks of rare fume events
SEATTLE — A former flight attendant is believed to be the first person in the U.S. to settle a lawsuit against the Boeing Co. over what she claims is faulty aircraft design that allowed toxic fumes to reach the cabin, triggering tremors, memory loss and severe headaches.
The amount and other details of the settlement Wednesday between former American Airlines worker Terry Williams, a 42-year-old mother of two, and Boeing were not made public as a condition of the agreement.
But 250,000 pages of company documents turned over to the plaintiff's legal team by Boeing seem certain to fuel the long-running battle over the safety of cabin air in commercial jetliners.
"The issue is really heating up now," Judith Murawski, a Seattle-area based industrial hygienist for the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told msnbc.com, adding that she typically handles at least three new cases a week involving crew members exposed to fumes. Many calls come from crew members on their way to emergency rooms or urgent care clinics, she said.
On at least one U.S.-registered commercial jetliner a day — out of approximately 28,000 flights — pilots, flight attendants and passengers are exposed to toxic smoke or fumes entering the plane's air conditioning system, say industry officials. And the documented incidents of contaminated air, which can contain tricresyl phosphates (TCPs), carbon monoxide and other toxic components, may not cover all the exposures.
Boeing and the airline industry have long maintained that cabin air — compressed air pumped, or "bled," from the plane's engine — is safe, saying such breaches are extremely rare and that short-term exposure to the tiny amounts of toxic substances in the cabin air poses no health risk.
Aerotoxic Syndrome
02 Mar
Aerotoxic Syndrome: The best kept secret in aviation?
Author: Alisa Brodkowitz | Category: Fumes
.
Reprinted and written by: The Scavenger
Passengers getting off airline flights often experience ‘jet lag’ which is clearly due to changing time zones but many may also experience long-term serious ill health after certain ‘fume event’ flights but will never understand the simple cause. Captain John Hoyte explains the phenomenon known as ‘Aerotoxic Syndrome’.
Three scientists from North America, France and Australia termed this neurological illness ‘Aerotoxic Syndrome’ in 1999 but passengers are mostly still unaware that it is caused by breathing toxic cabin air in-flight.
As an airline pilot, I experienced serious neurological problems in 1990 after I started to fly the BAe 146 four-engined jet on ‘night freight flying’. It left me with Alzheimer’s-type symptoms of chronic fatigue, failing memory, slurred / incoherent speech, poor thought-processing, vision disturbances and countless other mysterious symptoms – not desirable when flying airliners.
I was a very fit young man and I carried on flying. As there are always two pilots in a modern jet I was able to mask it by using checklists and other coping devices, so keeping it quiet out of fear of losing my job.
By 1998 I had become certain that the ‘night’ aspect of my flying was responsible, so I logically transferred to day time passenger flying.
Initially I felt better but would still be troubled by the same symptoms which left me exhausted and feeling intoxicated all of the time. However, I had long since restricted my alcohol intake, as it would quickly send me ‘over the top’.
By 2004/5 and aged 50 I was ready to stop flying as my memory was failing and I felt as though I was going to kill not only myself, but take around 100 passengers and crew with me.
In mid 2005 I had to suddenly stop flying, confused, sick and exhausted. In early 2006 I was grounded with ‘chronic stress’ by expert aviation doctors. A matter of months later I was tested along with 26 other BALPA union pilots and found out we all had highly abnormal blood / fat results but more importantly, measurable sub-normal memories and cognitive dysfunction.
How could jet engine oil be found in my blood and fat? Might it be responsible for the ill health I had learnt to live with but had wrecked my life?
One essential fact is that aircrew, pilots and cabin crew breathe the same air as their passengers. This includes royalty, low cost passengers, politicians and even doctors.
Engine oil and OPs
How might the engine oil have got into my body?
In the early years of jet flying, the Boeing 707 for example had mechanically compressed air pumped into the confines of the fuselage to create the pressure and oxygen content necessary to sustain life at high altitude of jet flying.
But in around 1963 Boeing design engineers discovered that they could use the excess compressed air from a jet engine, taken off the engine prior to the fuel being mixed. This air is called ‘bleed air’ as it is bled off the engine. It is piped, unfiltered into the passenger cabin and is done so to this day.
The engineers of the day warned that if the bleed air should mix with the oil in the engine, it would convey not pure outside air, but an oil / air mixture into the passenger compartment.
Unsurprisingly, the risk was thought negligible and the accountants won the day; it was clearly a simpler system and saved money, yet had an obvious flaw.
In each jet engine seals keep the air and oil apart.
However, what aircraft manufacturers will not tell you is that the oil seals wear out, allowing the oil and air to mix.
Video
Personal Testimony
Testimony: For Better or Worse, A Flight Attendant’s Fight with Toxic Fumes
Written by Anna Denney-Sandefer
For 27 years I was an International Flight Attendant for a Major Airline. Things seemed normal, although as my seniority increased, my health problems increased also and I had more difficulties. Then one day in June of 2006, while at work on a plane, that was at the gate ... waiting out a storm, I was asked to open up the rear cabin door. After a long hot day, the air was thick with the tarmac fumes. As I was standing there by the door, I breathed in what I thought was a bug. After a few minutes a headache started, on the right side of my head, above my ear. It was as sharp intense pain. Flu like symptoms started. My eyelids seemed hot and I had a sore throat. I became nauseous feeling and sick to my stomach. Soon after that lightening strikes started and,for a then unknown reason,I felt light headed to the point of giddylaughter at the lightning whilestanding next to an open door. In an hour or so, I felt worse. I felt weak and had some difficulties breathing when I pushed the cart up the isle. I thought I had developed a very bad flu.
I continued on the flight, feeling badly the entire trip. When I returned home I reported the incident. I was in bed for days with no energy and flu symptoms and felt depressed. I went to my doctor. I know now that he was not familiar with what had happened to me, and at the time I did not realize what had happened. They treated me for breathing problems and gave an inhaler. After two weeks of treatment from my primary care doctor, my Doctor told me to go the industrial company doctor. This “flu” went on for weeks, and continued to get worse. Then other problems started which frightened me. At times I would get uncontrollable shaking in my left hand. It would last for fifteen seconds to about a minute. I did not know what was causing it. When I went to the company doctor he said, after an exam and chest x-rays, that I was fine, and I could return to work. The symptoms were changing, I was now dragging my feet and having difficulties completing sentences, and even thoughts. My husband noticed immediately, I was not thinking clearly and was just getting frustrated at my inability to think and comprehend.
“There were times when mentally I did not think I would make it through another day.”
Then I heard about TCP, and toxic fumes on airplanes. TCP is a chemical found in Hydraulic Oil and engine oil. Hydraulic oil is in every airplane engine and some APUs. When this hydraulic oil is heated by the engine it becomes very toxic. I found out that leaks can cause these burnt fumes to be able to get in to the cabin through the air intake system. I then discovered there was a leak in the rear APU on the plane I was on the day of the lightening storm when I had thought I had breathed in a bug and then gotten the flu. I later found out that hydraulic oil was coming out of it at a rate that caused the company to replace the whole APU weeks later. I now know that this toxic burnt hydraulic oil went though my digestive system, neurological system, and parts of my brain. My energy disappeared. Most days I became very tired early in the day. I was taking naps all times of the day and night. I did not feel better. My hand continued to shake on occasion. I could not carry on conversations. I began avoiding social contacts because it was frustrating and I felt embarrassed. I went to the emergency room one day with severe digestive problems. One day about two weeks later, my shortness of breath became so bad and my chest hurt that I found myself on the floor about to pass out. I called my husband at work and he called the neighbors and paramedics. Later in the day I was hospitalized I was in the cardiac unit for four days. Again at the time the doctors were unsure of the cause. I later found that the toxins can cause problems with internal systems. After several days in the hospital I was diagnosed with pleuro-pericarditis. It was caught in time. Again, later, I was told that the toxins in my system could cause the body think it is being attacked and cause the pericarditis.
After MRIs and PET scans, and many visits to doctors, I was diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy, a brain injury. My head would feel like it was tingling on one side for no reason at times, it usually was accompanied by headaches. My neurologist prescribed nitroglycerine paste to open up the blood vessels in my head. He hoped that the physical damage to the vessels and the brain could be repaired or improved with increased blood flow. The toxins had caused vessels in my head to shrivel.
For over a year and a half, I fought these and other symptoms. There were times when I could not form a sentence, or I would start talking and get frustrated and angry. There were times when I hurt so bad all over like I had been beaten up. There were times when mentally I did not think I would make it through another day. Some days I would sleep for six hours in the middle of the day. Some days I felt I was going crazy, because I could not remember what I was doing, or why. I continued to search for answers, and the right medical advice. Some medical doctors told me I had everything from Lupus to MS to forms of Dementia and Fibromyalgia. My neurologist told me on the right side of my head it looked like the veins of an eighty five year old. The brain scans (MRI and PET) showed brain injury. A neurophysiologist told me I had permanent brain damage and would have to ‘retrain’ part of my brain. Walking down my steps at home I would shake like I had MS. The prescriptions were so many, they were filling up a large wastebasket. As I read more and learned more, I discovered this has been an ongoing problem in the airline community. It was not publicized. In my situation, because of the large dose of heated hydraulic oil I inhaled, there were immediate, and serious results. But these symptoms can be cumulative also, and they can be just as devastating. My husband and I spent many hours searching the web. All of my symptoms fit toxic poisoning from TCP.
“… I felt an almost miraculous improvement.”
After more than 20 months of looking for a solution, I found the following has helped me the most. My neurologist sent me to a doctor that treated many people with different types toxic exposures. I was told that the body will heal itself if you give it a chance under the right conditions. The basic conditions being no stress and plenty of rest. The place I went was True North Health, in Santa Rosa, California. This is where, under Medical Doctors supervision 24 hours around the clock, I underwent an extended distilled water fast. I stopped all prescription drugs, before the fast. One important point to remember, toxins such as TCP are carried in the fat cells of the body, and that includes in, and though the brain. If the fat cells leave, so do many of the toxins, but unfortunately not all. The fog in my head started lifting on the 4th and 5th day of the fast. I called my husband daily. He told me he could tell the difference within several days. He felt that he was beginning to get me back. After I returned from the fast he told me that it made a huge difference in me. I could tell I could think much better, I felt better and was not as tired. The shaking of the left hand has stopped.
In the 20 months after the exposure and after doctors and treatments, and after the 12 day distilled water fast I felt an almost miraculous improvement. I felt better than I had in a very long time. I am still not 100% but I am feeling that I on the road to 100%. I still can not communicate as well as I once did. I still get extremely frustrated and often angry at not being able to make what used to be simple decisions. In the end of this year, I will be doing another fast.
I have changed my diet dramatically also. I try to stick to a diet that consists of basically raw and some steamed fruits and vegetables, beans and rice, and that is it. Some herbal teas and lots of water each day. When I do, I can tell it has an effect on me. The opposite is true also, if I do not stick to this diet, I feel more frustrated and physically I feel more fatigued. There are numerous books out there on the subject and many natural nutritionists to help guide you. The basics are easy. Greens are very important to wash the body of toxins. Steamed Kale is one of the best greens to clean out the whole system of toxins. Wheatgrass shots are also very good. I stay away from Dairy products of any kind. Dairy is a big no. Just remember when you are tempted by dairy products, where dairy comes from, and how cheese is made.
Walk and or workout as much as you can. Any form of exercise to get the blood flowing helps move the TCP out of the body. After a year of being ill, and not doing much physical activity, I started walking. At 7:00 AM every morning I would walk with a neighbor friend, and sometimes on my own. Some days I could not walk but a block or two, seriously, and some days I could walk a good 3 miles. Then I tried 2 times a day. It is a great feeling once you do it.
To sum it up there are ways to get better. There are doctors that will help you. Start with Doctor Alan Goldhammer at True North Health. The water fast is the fastest and the most thorough way to remove TCP, and other toxins. Read what you can on the internet so you will understand what has happened to you. If you can understand why you feel the way you do, and why you have mental and communication problems, it will at least help you get through it and motivate you to try to get better. I may never be the same, but I know I am better, and my husband knows I am better. He has had to be very patient with me, and he still does. But he has made it a project of his to read and understand what happened to me. It has helped us both move forward. Please pass the word on. Do not think for a nanosecond that this is not effecting the flying public and most crew members. Also, I had major help from my husband in organizing my thoughts and writing this article. I still have some trouble with phrasing thoughts correctly. He is my ghost writer. Please educate yourself by going to the below websites and linking to sites internationally where pilots have spoken out about it. Recently articles and research have indicated possibly more serious effects from a combination of TCP and other toxins in the air on airliners.
Please keep informed. www.toxiccabinair.com in the USA www.aerotoxic.org in the UK Those sites reference many more sites. PLEASE take the time to research them. Thank You, Anna Denney-Sandefer 29 April 2009
Anna's testimonials on two health spas she visited for water and juice fasting The Regency Health Spa is good for the Juice Fasts and getting back on track for eating healthy.
I did a juice fast at the Regency Spa. It was every good and enjoyable for the time I was there. The ocean front rooms and the staff are there for you. The food is the best Vegetarian food I have had on the East coast. Chef John Nowakowski worked as an executive chef with the Marriot Corporation for 24 years. His passion turned to Vegetarian cuisine, and his food is excellent.
The spa has a workout room, and all kinds of classes. It needs some more renovation. Dr. Sabitino's lectures are very informative on the health issues and food problems around the globe.
I know the True North Health Health Spa in Santa Rosa California did not get in touch with you on advertising on your website, but if you are going to advertise for water fasting, True North Health is much better equipped to do that sort of fast. The staff there will look in on you twice a day and the doctor is there 24 and 7, with a bell by your bed. So if some one is very ill, then they need to go to True North Health to get better. Dr. Alan Goldhammer has been doing over looking water fasts for over 25 years: some as long as 40 to 70 days in length. The cost between the 2 spas is surprising. The True North Health is less than the one in Hallandale Florida. The distilled water fast is serious business. If someone is in serious bad health I would recommend the True North Health in Santa Rosa California.
{jcomments on}
Toxic fumes impairing our ability to fly, say pilots
- 15:36 19 June 2007 by Zeeya Merali
- For similar stories, visit the Aviation Topic Guide
Toxic fumes on planes are poisoning pilots and rendering them unable to fly safely, say pilots, who are campaigning for "aerotoxic syndrome" to be recognised as a disease.
Two official investigations are being opened after concerns that highly toxic oil contaminants are leaking into cabin air supply on commercial airliners in flight. The UK government is to fit air-monitoring equipment on board aircraft amid increasing concerns that passengers, pilots and cabin crew are being exposed. And 1500 pilots will take part in the first major health study designed to establish the extent of the problem.
"We're basically the canaries - getting knocked down by the fumes first," says Susan Michaelis, a former pilot who believes she was poisoned by fumes from leaked engine oil while flying. She and other grounded pilots launched a campaign for the condition to be recognised, at a meeting at the UK's Houses of Parliament on 18 June.
Compressed air is routinely drawn off engines and supplied to aircraft cabins. If the seal inside the engine is not secure, engine oil can leak into the cabin and contaminating air with toxic tricresyl phosphate (TCP), says Michaelis.
Dirty socks
Michaelis, who is currently at the University of New South Wales, Australia, carried out a survey of 250 pilots and found that 85% had detected contaminated air - which smells like "dirty socks" - while flying. Of these, 57% reported symptoms of ill health relating to the incident, and 8% had to be retired on health grounds.
Michaelis believes that the long term effects of prolonged exposure are largely overlooked by airline companies. Symptoms related to long term exposure purportedly include neurological and respiratory problems, memory loss, difficulties with speech, and chronic fatigue.
"Passengers should be made aware that the pilot's ability to fly is being impaired," says Michaelis. One affected pilot reportedly fell asleep in a flight simulator after exposure in a real aircraft, and was told he was unfit for flight.
"Everybody recognises that there are incidents where fumes enter cabins," says Jonathon Nicholson, a spokesperson for the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). "We will look at further work on the issue if long-term health issues are proven."
Toxic fumes impairing our ability to fly, say pilots (2)
- 15:36 19 June 2007 by Zeeya Merali
- For similar stories, visit the Aviation Topic Guide
Toxic fumes on planes are poisoning pilots and rendering them unable to fly safely, say pilots, who are campaigning for "aerotoxic syndrome" to be recognised as a disease.
Two official investigations are being opened after concerns that highly toxic oil contaminants are leaking into cabin air supply on commercial airliners in flight. The UK government is to fit air-monitoring equipment on board aircraft amid increasing concerns that passengers, pilots and cabin crew are being exposed. And 1500 pilots will take part in the first major health study designed to establish the extent of the problem.
"We're basically the canaries - getting knocked down by the fumes first," says Susan Michaelis, a former pilot who believes she was poisoned by fumes from leaked engine oil while flying. She and other grounded pilots launched a campaign for the condition to be recognised, at a meeting at the UK's Houses of Parliament on 18 June.
Compressed air is routinely drawn off engines and supplied to aircraft cabins. If the seal inside the engine is not secure, engine oil can leak into the cabin and contaminating air with toxic tricresyl phosphate (TCP), says Michaelis.
Dirty socks
Michaelis, who is currently at the University of New South Wales, Australia, carried out a survey of 250 pilots and found that 85% had detected contaminated air - which smells like "dirty socks" - while flying. Of these, 57% reported symptoms of ill health relating to the incident, and 8% had to be retired on health grounds.
Michaelis believes that the long term effects of prolonged exposure are largely overlooked by airline companies. Symptoms related to long term exposure purportedly include neurological and respiratory problems, memory loss, difficulties with speech, and chronic fatigue.
"Passengers should be made aware that the pilot's ability to fly is being impaired," says Michaelis. One affected pilot reportedly fell asleep in a flight simulator after exposure in a real aircraft, and was told he was unfit for flight.
"Everybody recognises that there are incidents where fumes enter cabins," says Jonathon Nicholson, a spokesperson for the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). "We will look at further work on the issue if long-term health issues are proven."
Health Impact Of Exposure To Contaminated Supply Air On Commercial Aircraft
Quick Reference Guide for use by and reference use
For Health Care Providers:
• Summary of exposure and substance: Outside air is bled off the engines/auxiliary power unit and supplied to the cabin/ flight deck on commercial aircraft. Under certain failure conditions, toxins such as pyrolyzed (burned at high temperatures) engine oils and hydraulic fluids may leak into the aircraft cabin and flight deck air supply systems. Airline workers may develop acute and/or chronic health effects and seek attention from health care providers. This quick guide focuses on oil exposures. The complete reference guide is available at www.ohrca.org/healthguide.html.
• Exposures: These are often called "Fume Events". The "bleed air" is not filtered and contaminant levels are not monitored. Airborne toxins include a complex mixture of oil-based compounds, irritant gases, and ultra-fine particles. Exposures of particular concern include tricresylphosphates (TCPs) and N-phenyl-L-naphthylamine (PAN), and carbon monoxide (CO). The primary exposure pathway is inhalation. Some crewmembers describe low-level chronic exposures to fumes (e.g., routine and transient fumes on engine start up); others describe acute, visible fume events, which may result in a flight diversion or cancellation. Other exposures in the cabin/flight deck include ozone gas, insecticides, de-icing fluid, exhaust and fuel fumes, and cleaning products. Also, the cabin altitude is typically 6,000-8,000 feet inflight, with a corresponding reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen.
• Documentation: Crewmembers submit written reports of smoke, fumes and/or odor to their airline. Aircraft mechanical records and pilot log book entries sometimes document air supply contamination. Health care providers can request Material Safety Data Sheets for the particular oil/hydraulic fluid. Healthcare providers or the exposed injured person should ask for the date, flight number, aircraft number, aircraft type, phase of flight when the problem was noted, whether there was odor or visible smoke/fumes, duration, whether the aircraft was sprayed with insecticides, the last maintenance record especially involving the oil seals and any supplementary documentation from the airline/maintenance regarding cause. Obtain past medical history, occupational history, and family/social health history.
• Health Effects: The most common symptoms reported are acute respiratory, neurological, systemic, and/or psychiatric symptoms. These typically occur within minutes to a few hours following the contaminated bleed air event or exposure. Symptoms vary depending on the duration and magnitude of exposure, plus individual factors. Chronic and sometimes delayed neurological, psychiatric, resperatory, systemic, and dermal symptoms have been reported. Toxic encephalopathy is the primary concern.
• Suggested Case Definition: If there is either a documented exposure to bleed air contaminants or a history of flying on aircraft type(s) documented to have an increased risk of air supply contamination events, and Initial symptoms occur within 48 hours following exposure, a medical professional should look for acute and/or persistent respiratory, neurological, systemic, or psychiatric symptoms. Toxic exposure and toxic encephalopathy due to exposure to TOCP in the cabin has been mistaken for panic disorder or other non related psychiatric conditions. Note that crewmembers with routine, low-level exposures may also develop chronic symptoms but may not have documented acute, individual exposure events. Symptoms may start many months or years prior to examination by the HCP. Attempt to identify the exposure and make a precise diagnosis (e.g., avoid generic terminology such as "inhalation exposure") based on a combination of symptoms and objective evidence of health effects (physical examination findings and/or medical tests). Familiarize yourself with potential symptoms such as those referenced on this website under "experiences" and "my story". Please take the time to consider exposure to toxic cabin air. Pet scans and MRI's can be of value in diagnosing and evaluating exposure and effects of toxic cabin air.
Toxic Fumes in Airplanes Pose Health Risk
A former Australian airline pilot has warned that toxic fumes in airplanes pose a serious health risk even though the British government believes that the leaking of such fumes inside the airplane is a very rare occurrence.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has received a number of complaints over the last five years regarding the leakage of such fumes, with over 270 cases of engine oil leakages with fumes entering the cabin.
Dr Michaelis said that all of the planes should be fitted with warning systems so that the pilot can be informed whenever such leakages take place. “If you've been on an aircraft and smelled that funny odor it's recognized that's generally oil fumes. The passengers wouldn't know. You wouldn't know and if you were to get sick, it may not be related, but you wouldn't know. People are getting sick. There are people getting sick and they are getting seriously sick”, she said.
Toxic Fumes in Airplanes Pose Health Risk (2)
A former Australian airline pilot has warned that toxic fumes in airplanes pose a serious health risk even though the British government believes that the leaking of such fumes inside the airplane is a very rare occurrence.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has received a number of complaints over the last five years regarding the leakage of such fumes, with over 270 cases of engine oil leakages with fumes entering the cabin.
Dr Michaelis said that all of the planes should be fitted with warning systems so that the pilot can be informed whenever such leakages take place. “If you've been on an aircraft and smelled that funny odor it's recognized that's generally oil fumes. The passengers wouldn't know. You wouldn't know and if you were to get sick, it may not be related, but you wouldn't know. People are getting sick. There are people getting sick and they are getting seriously sick”, she said.