Toxic fumes leaking into commercial jet cabins are sickening crew and passengers with increasing frequency, yet regulators and manufacturers have done little to fix the problem, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.
Known as “fume events,” these incidents occur when contaminated air from jet engines enters the cabin through a system called bleed air. The leaks, often described as odors ranging from “dirty socks” to “nail polish,” have been linked to neurological damage in flight attendants and pilots. Doctors say the brain effects resemble concussions suffered by NFL players, the Journal reported.
The U>S. Federal Aviation Administration has recorded thousands of reports since 2010, and recent years show a sharp rise, particularly on Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) A320-family jets. In some cases, flights were forced to divert after passengers and crew experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness or vision problems.
Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) acknowledge that oil and hydraulic fluids can leak into the air supply, but argue contamination levels are generally too low to cause lasting harm. Airlines also insist commercial aviation remains safe. Critics, however, point to industry lobbying that has watered down maintenance standards and blocked tougher regulations.
Researchers and physicians warn that exposure to these fumes can cause long-term health issues. Some crew members have been permanently grounded after diagnosis with chemical-induced brain injuries. Despite growing evidence, comprehensive monitoring systems or filters haven’t been widely adopted.
Congress has repeatedly tried, and mostly failed, to mandate stricter safeguards. A new bipartisan bill would phase out bleed air systems within seven years, the Journal reported.