This blog has, several times, addressed the subject of the contamination of bleed air supplied to aircraft cabins by toxic organophosphates. Now Susan Michaelis, already the author of the Contaminated Air Reference Manual, is appealing for those who have suffered - or believe they have done - from illness related to cabin air contamination, to get in touch with her. I'll leave the request in her hands:
"I am currently in the process of completing a PhD on the health and safety implications of contaminated cabin air at the
To date my research of past and present UK BAe 146 pilots has shown the following preliminary results: Out of approximately 300 pilots contacted, 87% were aware of the contaminated air; 59% had experienced some adverse symptoms that are commonly seen with such exposures; 27% reported medium to long-term 'Aerotoxic' type symptoms and approximately 10% appear to have been either ill health retired, suffered long-term ill health or were deceased appearing to be related to what many call 'Aerotoxic Syndrome'. A similar pattern is being seen internationally and is supported by published literature from around the globe.
The data will all be de-identified and should contribute significant data to the knowledge we have on the cabin air issue. Anyone willing to participate in the basic survey should contact me as soon as possible at: susan@susanmichaelis.com."
on October 16, 2009 10:29 PM | Reply
Thanks to David for continuing to cover this issue and to report on the airlines' disgraceful behaviour on still trying to cover this up. I fall into category 1 and 2 and have lost my licence, but thankfully not in number 3 (yet). I've already completed the surveys. Keep up the good work, Susan.
on October 19, 2009 2:03 PM | Reply
Age 57 years
Married (still to wife No 1)
Son aged 30 Captain on KLM Fokker 100 + 1 granddaughter aged 8 months
Daughter aged 28 French Teacher + 1 granddaughter aged 16 months.
Training at College of air training Hamble 1.1.1971
Flew PA28 and Baron Beech 55 (hours 215.50)
Joined British Airways 1.4.1973
First flight Trident 3B 21.11.1973
Last flight Trident 3B 27.8.1985 (hours 5411.41)
First flight Boeing 757 26.2.1986
First flight Boeing 767 11.3.1990
Diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease 1.6.1994
Licence suspended for 1 month.
Last flight Boeing 75/67 28.1.1995(hours 10465.00)
Command Course
First flight Lockheed L1011 27.3.1995
Last flight Lockheed L1011 16.11.1996
Rejoined 75/67 fleet 11.1.1997
Last flight Boeing 75/67 25.5.1998
Retired due to ill health 29.3.1999
On the Boeing 757 I experienced frequent short exposures to oil fumes. This was known on the fleet as "Sweaty Sock Syndrome" apparently due to overfilling of engine oils during nightstop at LHR. This was hardly ever written up in the Tech Log as all the aircraft did it.
My P.D. symptoms have continued to worsen and I am now on Invalidity Benefit.
Last month I underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (D.B.S.) surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery to implant two electrodes into my brain. Attached to this is a transmitter which sends pulses of electricity to the brain. I am much improved.
I firmly believe that my P.D.was triggered by long term exposure to oil fumes from the bleed air system of the Boeing 757 aircraft.
on October 21, 2009 8:39 PM | Reply
I have had one odd experience onboard an AC A330 about six years ago. I was sat over the wing area and having just eaten dinner I woke up some time later Hhow long Id been 'asleep' Ill never know) feeling extremely nauseous so I literally staggered to the bathroom as if I were heavily drunk. Cold sweats and, more embarassingly, I had peed myself. Have never felt like this since but just to let you know it was really nasty!
on October 27, 2009 10:26 AM | Reply
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on May 31, 2010 4:57 PM | Reply
I understand that but where does it take us?
A smart man covers his ass, a wise man leaves his pants on. :)