Newswise — An assembly of renowned health and scientific professionals urge the aviation sector to address the issue of safeguarding passengers and aircrew from hazardous cabin fumes that, according to them, have triggered the onset of an emerging ailment.
Under the guidance of Dr. Susan Michaelis, a former pilot and esteemed researcher in global aviation health, the experts have unveiled an unprecedented medical procedure aimed at assisting individuals affected by the contamination of the aircraft cabin's breathing air supply. Additionally, the protocol aims to gather data on instances of contamination.
Comprised of 17 professionals including doctors, occupational health specialists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, and aviation experts, the International Fume Events Task Force dedicated six years to thorough research and meticulous preparation of evidence and guidance. The culmination of their efforts is an unparalleled protocol designed for both medical personnel and airline staff without medical training. This comprehensive document delineates the necessary actions and investigations to be undertaken in instances where individuals have been exposed to fumes or fume events.
During every flight, aircrew and passengers are subjected to continuous exposure to engine oils and hydraulic fluids leaking into the aircraft's air supply at a chronic background low level. Additionally, they may encounter adverse effects resulting from sporadic "fume" events, which occur when there is a discernible presence of contaminants within the cabin.
Dr. Michaelis, an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Stirling, emphasized that this issue has persisted for the past 70 years, and there is a continuous escalation in reports of aircrew falling ill due to these circumstances.
"At present, when aircrew or passengers experience illness, whether it occurs while they are still on the aircraft, manifests symptoms in the days or weeks following the flight, or even reports of illness in the years that ensue, there is a conspicuous absence of information in medical literature. Moreover, there is an absence of guidance materials for both the aviation industry and medical practitioners. Consequently, these affected individuals are frequently turned away or subjected to minimal testing."
"This newly developed medical protocol, authored by globally renowned experts, offers a consensus-based approach to identifying, investigating, and treating individuals who experience the toxic consequences of inhaling thermally degraded engine oil and other fluid contaminants within aircraft air conditioning systems. The protocol encompasses a range of actions and investigations to be carried out during flight, immediately after landing, and during subsequent follow-up assessments."
"The accumulation of data and evidence gathered unequivocally indicates a causal link between the contaminants present in oils and hydraulic fluids and the onset of illness in individuals. This groundbreaking protocol represents the first comprehensive and systematic endeavor to document and collect additional epidemiological data pertaining to a distinct and emerging occupational health syndrome."
The medical protocol, along with a complementary narrative review, has been published in the open access, peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health.
The narrative review delineates the widespread and consistent pattern of detrimental effects experienced by aircrew and certain passengers following inhalation of these fumes during flights. It encompasses findings derived from reports of fume events and documented instances of adverse health effects, which have been accumulated over numerous decades across various countries and regions.
Professor Andrew Watterson from the University of Stirling described this study as globally significant and groundbreaking. Through the utilization of a narrative review, the study addresses a substantial and intricate issue faced by individuals exposed to fumes from aircraft cabin air supply. These fumes have been shown to cause a variety of frequently severe adverse effects.
"It has produced a highly valuable tool in the form of a protocol, grounded in recent research, which aids in the identification, evaluation, and improved documentation of these effects in the future."
Exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events has been linked to documented impairments and incapacitation among aircrew, thereby jeopardizing the safety of flights. These exposures are known to result in symptoms such as cognitive impairment, dizziness, fatigue, and impaired short-term memory. Additionally, they can lead to neurological, respiratory, and cardiac complaints. Furthermore, various studies have established associations between these exposures and the development of different types of cancer.
‘Health consequences of exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events: a narrative review and medical protocol for the investigation of exposed aircrew and passengers’ can be found on the Environment Health Journal website.
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