FIVE major airlines in the UK are facing legal action over “toxic” cabin air, which could be deadly susceptible individuals.
EasyJet, British Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic are the carriers currently being sued by pilots and cabin crew.
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At present, there are 51 cases against the airlines, which are backed by Unite the Union.
Unite assistant general secretary for legal services Howard Beckett said in a statement: “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.
“The airline industry cannot continue to hide from the issue of toxic cabin air whilst placing the health and safety of aircrew at risk.
“The evidence begs the question how many more must be put at risk before the airline industry cleans its act up?”
Reuters
Earlier this year, the union called for a public enquiry of “toxic air” over fears of its effect on health in the long term, especially for frequent flyers such as pilots and crew.
It follows the death of cabin crew member Matt Bass, 34, in 2014 who experienced symptoms related to aerotoxic syndrome, which can include headaches, breathing and vision problems and dizziness.
Unite are calling for safer oils to be used to lubricate the engines, cabin air filters and better monitoring systems.
Getty – Contributor
While they admit it may result in “additional financial cost to the industry,” Unite claim the health and safety of crew members is more important.
However, a British Airways spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “We would never operate an aircraft if we believed it posed a health or safety risk to our customers or crew.
“None of the substantial research conducted over many years into cabin air quality has shown that exposure to cabin air causes long-term ill health.
“In recent research commissioned by the regulator, the European Aviation Safety Agency, their thorough investigations concluded that the air quality on board aircraft was similar or better than that observed in normal indoor environments.”
The 2017 research by the European Aviation Safety Agency called the “aerotoxic syndrome” discussion “completely incomprehensible”.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “The health, safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is always our priority.
“As with all British airlines we operate to the strict regulations and standards set out by the UK CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency.”
Thomas Cook declined to comment on the issue.
Earlier this year, British Airways declared an emergency during the flight after a “toxic smell” in the cabin left ten people hospitalised.
A similar incident in 2018 saw crew donning smoke hoods during the flight after a “toxic odour”.
Sun Online Travel has contacted the Easyjet, Jet2 and the CAA for comment.
