Air Safety Conference 2024
Hi Everyone,
Here you have a brief summary about the Aircraft cabin Air Conference.
It’s impossible for me to explain everything about the International Aircraft Air Conference in London 2024 due to the complexity of terms related to aircraft architecture and technical details. However, I will try to provide you all with a brief summary of the key points discussed.
At the conference, experts from around the world highlighted concerns about the safety of passengers, cabin crew, and pilots. A major focus was on the ongoing risks posed by fume events—when harmful chemicals like organophosphates, particularly tricresyl phosphate (TCP), enter the aircraft cabin through the bleed air system. These chemicals are known to cause neurotoxicity and pose serious health risks, especially to airline crew members and frequent flyers who are regularly exposed. Respiratory and neurological issues are some of the most commonly reported symptoms.
One of the most promising developments in addressing this issue is the progress on a blood test (biomarker) that could detect exposure to harmful fumes during flights. Developed by researchers at the University of Washington, this test is designed to identify whether a person has been exposed to toxic chemicals, particularly TCP. It works by detecting proteins in the blood that have been altered by exposure. This breakthrough could be especially valuable for airline crew and passengers who experience symptoms consistent with “aero toxic syndrome” after a fume event. The test is in the final stages of certification, with the goal of being widely available by 2024. This innovation is part of broader efforts to improve air quality in aircraft cabins and reduce long-term health impacts on crew and passengers.
Additionally, there is increasing advocacy for the introduction of safer engine oils without harmful additives. For example, NYCO has developed new aviation lubricants that drastically reduce the toxicity of the oil. Furthermore, the development of new filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and air toxic detectors, aims to better manage cabin air contamination. Despite the potential of these technologies to significantly reduce health risks, their adoption has been slow. One of the major barriers to progress is the cost implications for airlines and aircraft manufacturers, who have been resistant to integrating these systems due to increased expenses. This reluctance is seen by many as being influenced by industry lobbies, which prioritise profitability over safety.
During the conference, several devices were presented to reduce, control, and detect fumes in aircraft cabins, which have proven to be extremely effective in reducing exposure to harmful fumes.
It is paramount to involve Sharon Graham in discussions with Rolls-Royce to encourage the use of NYCO lubricants and stop unnecessary financial gain from further testing of oils that have already been approved by regulators.
In the UK alone, there are more than 50 High Court cases where Unite the Union is assisting its members, primarily cabin crew and pilots, who have been affected by fume events. These cases, along with others filed in jurisdictions such as the US and Australia, have drawn attention to the legal complexities of contaminated air litigation. Plaintiffs in these cases often face challenges in proving causation due to the lack of consistent air quality monitoring data and the variability of individual symptoms. Despite these obstacles, contaminated air litigation continues to evolve, with cases targeting airlines, aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, and chemical companies producing aviation fluids.
As the legal landscape around fume events grows, so does the pressure on regulatory bodies. The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is currently conducting investigations into aircraft fume events. However, many are concerned that these investigations appear biased, focusing on downplaying the severity of the issue, possibly due to pressure from industry stakeholders. Meanwhile, advocacy groups representing crew members and passengers are pushing for stronger regulatory oversight, better air quality monitoring, and independent studies to assess the long-term health effects of exposure to cabin air contaminants.
It is also crucial for our crew community to be trained in identifying specific odours associated with fume events, such as those resembling dirty socks, wet dogs, or electrical burning. Recognising these odours is essential for cabin crew and pilots to respond quickly to potential fume events, reducing health risks and ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
Real-time chemical sensors have the potential to revolutionise fume event management by allowing immediate detection of harmful contaminants as they enter the cabin. However, much like the filtration systems, these sensors face cost-related barriers, and airlines are hesitant to implement them widely. Advocacy groups continue to call for mandatory monitoring systems to be installed on all aircraft, but until regulators in the EU and the USA prioritise safety over industry interests, these technologies remain underutilised.
In conclusion, while progress is being made in addressing fume events—including the development of a groundbreaking blood test and potential improvements in filtration systems and engine lubricants—the journey toward ensuring safe cabin air quality remains challenging. Stronger regulations, more advanced safety technologies, and unbiased research are crucial to protecting the health and safety of passengers and crew.
If you have questions, please just contact me.
Regards,
Antonio Mesa
Uk Health & Safety Representative.
Unite the Union at EasyJet.