Air Transport

Politicians call for toxic cabin air public health inquiry

By David Learmount

Three UK politicians have called for a public inquiry into toxic air in airline cabins.

Among them, Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary Norman Baker, says: "There is now overwhelming evidence that air contamination in certain aircraft can put aircrews and passengers at very serious risks of long-term ill health.

"The government cannot continue to hide behind commercial confidentiality in a matter of public safety. Nothing less than a full public inquiry, taking account all of the international incidents that have occurred, will satisfy public concern. We cannot wait for a disaster before taking action."

Baker has been joined in this call by Conservative transport representative Teresa Villiers and Green Party speaker Caroline Lucas.