Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome | The Consumer Perspective | Political Lobbying | HolidayTravelWatch
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), has called for evidence on the issue of Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome. Their investigation remit has stated that:
“CASA has tasked this Expert Panel to review the national and international scientific research and other information around cabin air quality with the aims of:
i. establishing the current state of knowledge in relation to human safety and health risks from the quality of air onboard commercial aircraft;
ii. recommending whether the current research initiatives being undertaken internationally are sufficient, or whether additional research is required in an Australian context and;
iii. recommending any further actions that should be taken in relation to human safety and health risks”.
HolidayTravelWatch has been active since 2007 in providing investigation and comment on this issue, which has caused serious ill-health to aircrew and air passengers. We have submitted our own report to CASA in which we conclude and recommend:
- That the medical profession appear not to recognise the connection with these illnesses and any flights taken, thereby failing to offer a logical course of investigation and treatment – there is a need to provide information to address this imbalance;
- We have called for the immediate installation of filters into all bleed air aircraft;
- That any scientific investigation should acknowledge that these same contaminants also escape from the rear of a jet engine and potentially cause similar difficulties for those living under the shadow of an airport. It seems logical therefore that the inclusion of this ‘group’ could add value to any scientific data on the effects of neurotoxins on the human system;
- The creation of a ‘no fault’ protocol, bringing together the scientific, medical and legal disciplines, thereby creating an informed, solution led resolve to the Aerotoxic problem for all stakeholders.
Our report is linked below:
The Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome Debate | Concern for the Safety of Passengers and Aircrew | The Consumer Perspective | 14 June 2009
Tags: Aerotoxic, sick aircraft syndrome, Travel Industry Political Lobbying
HTW has noted that amongst the submissions to the Committee on Toxicity (COT) it has been suggested that the symptoms highlighted by crew and passengers were akin to the condition of hyperventilation.
HTW has for many years received reports from concerned holiday makers or independent travellers as to the safety of their aircraft, ship or boat, train or road transport.
