Engineering news
MPs yesterday met to debate cabin air safety in the wake of news that Unite the union is pursuing legal action on behalf of 61 cabin crew who claim they were exposed to ‘toxic cabin air’.
In most modern aircraft unfiltered bleed air from jet engines is used to pressurise the cabin, but faults with engine seals and seepage can see air contaminated with toxins such as organophosphates entering the cabin.
Exposure to contaminated air can lead to what is known as aerotoxic syndrome which affects the central nervous system and the brain.
The union has called on airlines to monitor cabin air quality and on aircraft manufacturers to fit detectors and filters and 'design out' the use of bleed air.
Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, who organised the debate, said: “Aerotoxic syndrome has attracted a great deal of attention, both from passengers and, crucially, from those working in the airline industry, which is why it is right for us to have this debate today. Workers are worried, and we have a responsibility to treat the issue seriously. Everybody deserves to have confidence that the air they breathe in the workplace is clean and safe.”
He added: “I have two requests that I would like the minister to consider and to which I hope he will refer in his speech. First, I would like an independent inquiry to be set up to consider the risks and hazards associated with contaminated aircraft cabin air. Setting up an inquiry has a lot of support both from unions and cabin crew, and it is the right thing to do. I do not believe that adequate work has been done on the issue yet, and such work would answer a lot of questions.
“Secondly, I would like appropriate cabin air monitoring and detection systems to be installed in aircraft that operate using bleed air. I am told that the technology exists to do that, and it seems to make sense to do so. The government could consider legislation to make that happen or, at the very least, they could begin discussions with airlines and our European counterparts. Just as it is now commonplace for homes and workplaces to install simple carbon monoxide detectors to prevent tragic deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning, so we must ensure that it is the norm for aeroplanes to be fitted with devices that can detect air bleed events.”
Transport minister Robert Goodwill told the debate that the UK has looked at the studies that have already taken place, but is “very keen” to look at how we can work to get further information.
He said the aviation health unit within the medical department of the Civil Aviation Authority will continue to monitor issues relating to cabin air, as part of its wider role as specialist adviser to the government on aviation health issues.
Goodwill added: “The aviation industry is aware of the concerns that have been raised and is continuously reviewing the current practices, as well as developing options for future improvements. The government are working together with the industry to support that momentum.
“However, for the industry to drastically change the way the aircraft are air-conditioned or, indeed, to change the lubricants, there would have to be clear evidence that shows that cabin air quality is harmful to crew and passengers. The current practice of using air from the compression stage of the engine – bleed air – has been shown to be an effective, fuel-efficient and reliable way of providing air to the cabin.
“I hope that I have demonstrated that the issue is taken seriously by all parties involved. However, as it is a complex issue with little evidence to show that a change is needed, it will take time to find new and innovative solutions that would be accepted by all. We certainly need to co-ordinate international research and I will raise that with the CAA at our next meeting. I will also discuss the issue with the British Airline Pilots Association, although I have to say that the issue has not necessarily been very high on its agenda at some meetings I have had with it.”
The debate concluded with Reynolds saying that he believes it is unlikely that the “controversy” will diminish. He said: “I think it is reasonable to say that the studies the transport minister mentioned have not reassured many people working in the industry to date, and that must be our primary concern.
“Until we can rule out an adverse effect on health, it is reasonable to consider the precautionary principle. I certainly intend to continue my interest in the issue and to call for a full inquiry, and I urge the embers present to continue to do the same,” he added.