Aerotoxic syndrome

The term Aerotoxic Syndrome was only introduced in 1999, and refers to illness experienced from breathing contaminated cabin air when flying. We’ve often heard people complaining that they have picked up a ‘bug’ from the circulated air in an aircraft. Well, it seems that from some research carried out in Germany high levels of a dangerous toxin have been found on several planes.

A report in Telegraph Travel highlighted these recent findings. Some experts think that up to 200,000 passengers a year are affected. The Telegraph stated that scientists and pressure groups claim that the toxins enter the cabin as a result of the air circulation system used on modern aircraft. Air is drawn out of the compression section of the engine and colled. It then enters the cabin, where it mixes with recirculated air that has passed through filters designed to remove bacteria and viruses. However, these air filters do not remove fumes or vapours from the engine. So if engine oil or hydraulic fuel leaks, toxic chemicals can contaminate the cabin air supply.

For more information and details of the possible affects of Aerotoxic Syndrome go to www.aerotoxic.org