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A rising number of airline crews and passengers are reporting sudden, sometimes severe illnesses tied to “fume events”, where oil or hydraulic fluids contaminate the air that is pumped into an aircraft cabin, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation.
The report found these events are becoming more frequent, that manufacturers and airlines have resisted broad fixes, and that crew members describe lasting neurological damage after exposure—sometimes similar to concussions in pro football players.
How do toxic fumes get into an aeroplane cabin?
Most jetliners pull outside air from the engines—a system called “bleed air”. Engines compress and heat this air, which is then cooled and sent into the cabin. If engine seals fail or fluids leak, engine oils or hydraulic fluids can vaporise in the hot sections and enter the bleed-air stream, sending contaminated air into the cockpit and cabin.
Boeing’s 787 is an exception as it uses an electric air compression system, bypassing the engine bleed-air route.
What are people reporting, and how bad can it be?
Symptoms range from odd smells—described as “dirty feet”, “wet dog”, “Cheetos” or “nail polish”—to acute effects such as dizziness, nausea, breathing trouble, confusion, or difficulty speaking.
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While most episodes are short and mild, some have led to emergency landings and hospitalisations. In serious cases, affected crew and passengers developed persistent neurological symptoms that doctors compare to NFL-style concussions.
Examples cited in the WSJ investigation include:
- A JetBlue flight attendant who inhaled a “dirty-feet” smell mid-flight later developed traumatic brain injury and permanent nerve damage.
- A Delta flight produced white smoke in the cabin after oil leaked into the bleed-air system, forcing an emergency landing.
- A pilot tested after repeated exposures collapsed on disembarking and was deemed unfit to fly due to nervous system damage.
- Doctors report that repeated low-level exposure can leave individuals vulnerable to greater harm during future events.
What do safety records reveal?
The WSJ analysed over one million records from the FAA, Nasa, and internal airline safety logs. Its machine-assisted review found a sharp rise in fume events since the mid-2010s, particularly between 2017 and 2024. While public records suggested modest numbers, internal documents show the real frequency could be far higher.
Why are A320s singled out?
A significant number of reports involve the Airbus A320 family. When the A320neo introduced new engines, airlines saw an increase in transient oil-odour events. Maintenance procedures were reportedly relaxed—such as eliminating mandatory inspections after weak smells—while engine seal degradation worsened. Together, these changes likely contributed to repeat fume events.
Are the fumes confirmed to be harmful?
Scientific findings are mixed but alarming. FAA and industry-funded studies have found chemicals in cabin air, including formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), organophosphates, and hydrocarbons. Some concentrations have neared or exceeded occupational safety thresholds.
Experts warn that lab tests may understate real-life exposure risks, where leak size and temperature vary widely. Many scientists believe the current evidence justifies urgent preventive steps.
How have regulators and airlines responded?
- Manufacturers and airlines: Airbus and Boeing maintain that their aircraft meet airworthiness standards. However, internal documents reveal concern over the scale of the problem.
- Regulators: The FAA says it has improved reporting tools and believes the rise in reports may reflect better documentation—not necessarily more incidents. No mandated design fix has yet been issued.
- Lobbying and resistance: Industry groups have pushed back against widespread monitoring or mandated changes, citing high costs and potential liability.
What is being done?
Proposed measures include:
- Design changes: Airbus’s internal “Project Fresh” proposed inlet relocations to prevent common leaks. The most significant design update is expected from early 2026.
- Sensors: Real-time cabin air sensors have been proposed but face resistance over concerns of false alarms and crew distraction.
- Operational changes: Some airlines now advise quick oxygen use by crew, more incident reporting, and provide info cards for emergency medics.
Who is most at risk?
Cabin crew are most affected due to frequent exposure and higher in-flight activity. Pilots have also suffered severe neurological events during or after exposure. Passengers are less likely to experience lasting harm but are vulnerable to one-time exposures during high-intensity leaks.
What should you do if you notice fumes on a flight?
- Report any strange odour to cabin crew immediately.
- If feeling unwell, inform crew and use oxygen if advised.
- Seek medical attention after landing.
- Crew should file an official report; passengers may request flight and incident details for follow-up.
How worrying is this for fliers?
Severe illness from fume events is rare, but the pattern of increasing reports, recurring issues in specific aircraft, and credible medical evidence of harm suggest a need for stronger regulations, better reporting, and urgent design solutions.
For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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