Air quality report reveals cabin crew health fears

Poor air quality on planes may be responsible for the large number of health problems encountered by cabin crew, according to reports seen by the Telegraph.

The research, conducted by former air steward Sue Dale and the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association, found high levels of illness, which activists claim are the result of contaminated cabin air caused by toxic engine fumes.

According to scientists, toxins infiltrate the cabin because of the 'bleed air' system employed on modern carriers, which suctions air out of the engine compression section, cools it and then allows it to enter the cabin.

It then combines with recirculated air which is filtered to remove bacteria and viruses.

However, as engine fumes or vapours are not removed by the filters, any leaks of engine oil or hydraulic fuel can pollute the air supply.

One cabin crew member and asthma sufferer, aged 36, said: "My doctor has attributed my illnesses to exposure to fumes and toxic chemicals on planes."

Meanwhile, a report on indoor air quality recently published by the World Health Organization revealed that those who live in damp or mouldy buildings have up to 75 per cent more chance of suffering respiratory problems and asthma.

Written by Joseph Hutton