HolidayTravelWatch Supports Second Call For Public Enquiry On Aerotoxic Syndrome

The Aerotoxic Association and the organisation Toxic Free Airlines, have today announced that they have sent to every Member of Parliament and Member of the House of Lords, a free copy of the excellent film expose by Tristan Loraine; ’Welcome Aboard Toxic Airlines’.

This film highlights the very real effect of exposure to toxic fumes on both aircrew and passengers, known also as Aerotoxic Syndrome. There is no doubt that the issues presented by this film, warrant in our view, urgent and immediate action! However, we also note the lack of industry or government will to confront such a serious public health and safety matter, and consider this to be a continuing National and International scandal!

HolidayTravelWatch has noted that the Global Air Cabin Quality Executive (GCAQE) has also repeated its earlier call for a public enquiry into the issue of Aerotoxic Syndrome. The GCAQE have noted the lack of action following their initial call for a public enquiry, a call which HolidayTravelWatch wholeheartedly supported. The GCAQE release highlights information from the German television station (WDR), detailing that in swab tests on 30 aircraft, 28 were found to have the presence of ’the neurotoxic and immunotoxic organophosphate chemical, Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP)’. This is a compound found in aircraft engine oil that is said to cause many of the illness problems suffered by aircrew and passengers.

Symptoms reported by holidaymakers and air passengers to HolidayTravelWatch include, headaches, dizzyness, chest problems, forgetfulness, cognitive difficulties, gastric upsets, skin problems and psychological difficulties.

Frank Brehany, the Senior Consumer Advocate for HolidayTravelWatch states,

"I once again support the call by the GCAQE for a Public Enquiry on the important issue of Aerotoxic Syndrome. Given that the Government is somewhat pre-occupied with the so-called credit crunch, it is no excuse to fail to respond adequately to responsible organisations or the Consumer on the issue of a Public Enquiry. It seems to me that it is sensible to form such a Public Enquiry, or do we have to wait for some catastrophic event to take place before one is granted? It also seems obvious that if the airline and manufacturing industry are so confident in their views on opposing the concept of Aerotoxic Syndrome, then they too should also welcome such a call for an enquiry"

He concludes, "Throughout 2008 we continued to hear from Consumers who were concerned about fume or smoke events on board aircraft. I do not expect 2009 to be any different! It is outrageous that on such an important issue, elected and public officials either remain silent or simply throw a crumb of comfort through what is generally thought to be a flawed enquiry into substances within aircraft cabins. Government’s must facilitate a broader discussion and open dialogue with the those affected by exposure to cabin fumes. The British Government should now respond to and create a Public Enquiry into this very important issue, before it is too late"

Contact Information

Frank Brehany

Senior Consumer Advocate

HolidayTravelWatch

Contact via E-mail