THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG: SOME RECENT AIRCRAFT CABIN FUME EVENTS
Pilot incapacitation? No - also Cabin Crew and Passengers fall ill
and Guest Writer Trudie Dadd both are former, medically retired Cabin Crew.
Regularly, without the public noticing, so-called “odors” or “smoke” on board aircraft worldwide cause pilots to declare a Pan Pan or even Mayday. Some make an emergency landing and are received by ambulances after landing. Very often pilots and/or cabin crew members become incapacitated, but also passengers can be affected and are rushed to hospitals for emergency treatments. There is strong evidence that a certain percentage of people experience acute symptoms as a consequence of fume events.
Many chemicals found in aircraft oil and their fumes are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and can cause mitochondrial dysfunction which means that exposure to these chemicals, particularly as mixtures can cause, even at low levels irreparable harm to health.* The effects of repeated exposures are known to be cumulative.
You can view a collection of actually reported smoke/ odor/ fumes here for MAY 2023 and here for JUNE 2023. The following examples are the first from July 1st.
Underreporting is well-known, so there could be many more.
01 July 2023: “ANA Wings -Incident: ANA Wings DH8D near Miyazaki on Jul 1st, 2023, smoke in the cabin. Priority requested on approach to Miyazaki”:© source: http://avherald.com/h?article=50b2a0c8&opt=0
01 July 2023: “Delta Two pilots and four flight attendants from Delta Airlines reported feeling sick Saturday as they were preparing to depart from Los Angeles International Airport.” © source: https://abc7.com/amp/lax-illness-odor-airline-crew/13454141/
The CAA states on Fume Events: ‘There is strong evidence that some people experience acute symptoms as a consequence of fume events. Some of the chemical contaminants that are present during such events are irritants and may cause itching or soreness of the eyes, nasal discharge, sore throat, or coughing. In other cases, there may be a psychologically mediated nocebo response (see note) triggered by awareness of irritation or an odor. From the research that has been done to date on the chemicals that may be present in contaminated air, the concentrations at which they are present, and the reported patterns of symptoms in affected individuals, non-irritant toxic mechanisms for the acute health effects seem unlikely.’ (source):https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/am-i-fit-to-fly/guidance-for-health-professionals/aircraft-fume-events/
Translated this means: Please be aware that if you continue to suffer with symptoms following a fume event onboard or develop symptoms over a period of time connected to chronic (low-level, long-term) exposure - according to the CAA and the UK Government and other such authorities and agencies, you will have clearly psychologically manifested these health effects and/or permanent injuries you continue to suffer from as a result of inhalation of toxic fumes onboard aircraft. Other than the immediate acute symptoms experienced during and immediately after a fume event, listed as ‘itching or soreness of the eyes, nasal discharge, sore throat or coughing’. According to them, no other health effects can be caused by a toxic mechanism. And that’s the way they want it to remain. The UK Government, and in fact the whole U.K. establishment along with the aviation industry and other governments have worked incredibly hard to keep the poisoning of innocent people onboard aircraft hidden for decades; but now, the scientific research which the U.K. Government should have conducted following the House of Lords Enquiry into Aircraft Cabin Air in 2007 (but didn’t), is surfacing from other respected scientific establishments and it is soon going to catch up with them and their massive deception.
Many chemicals found in aircraft oil are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and can cause mitochondrial dysfunction which means that exposure to these chemical mixtures, even at low levels can cause irreparable harm to health. The effects of repeated exposures are known to be cumulative.
Example: Tricresyl Phosphate, one component used in aircraft oil is one of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359244063_Endocrine_disrupting_toxicity_of_aryl_organophosphate_esters_and_mode_of_action
The Endocrine Society USA - 2012 states: ‘As discussed several times throughout this review, there is now substantial evidence that low doses of EDCs have adverse effects on human health. Thus, although many epidemiological studies originally focused on occupationally exposed individuals and individuals affected by accidental exposures to high doses of environmental chemicals, these recent studies have suggested wide-ranging effects of EDCs on the general population. Importantly, human exposures are examples of true mixtures; dozens if not hundreds of environmental chemicals are regularly detected in human tissues and fluids (91), yet very little is known about how these chemicals act in combination (627). Several studies indicate that EDCs can have additive or even synergistic effects (143, 323, 628–630), and thus these mixtures are likely to have unexpected and unpredictable effects on animals and humans.’ (source):https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/33/3/378/2354852?login=false
Trichloroethane which is found in aircraft oil (and in the fat biopsies of many airline crew) is also an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) and it has known synergistic effects on Tricresyl Phosphate. https://www.biosynth.com/p/FT62533/1330-78-5-tricresyl-phosphate-mixture-of-isomers
This is a new recently published paper that we urge everyone to read -
‘Using the grey literature to better understand the potential health impacts of cabin air quality’
By: Jean-Christophe Balouet1, Jean-Christophe Delahaye2, Michel F.A Mulder3, Sarah Dack4, David Megson4
1 Environnement International, Orrouy F-60129, France.
2 Airline Pilot, Ferrières en Brie F-77164, France.
3 Aviation Medical Consultant, Hilversum 1217CB , The Netherlands.
4 Manchester Metropolitan University, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
https://www.oaepublish.com/jeea/article/view/5760
The European Union states s recently as 2022:
‘The introduction of (such) new hazard classes would mean a step forward for managing the work-related risks of EDCs. Based on the EU OSH directives (e.g. chemical agents directive (98/24/EC)[22], carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work directive (2004/37/EC)[23], protection of pregnant and breastfeeding workers directive (92/85/EEC)[24]) every employer has to assess the risks due to the exposure of chemical agents. Since these directives refer to the CLP hazard classes for hazard identification, the indication of endocrine disrupting properties is an important source of information for assessing the risks in the workplace and subsequently taking the appropriate measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control.’ (source): https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals
If you have ever wondered why the incidence of various cancers is so high amongst airline crew - Benzene is a carcinogen known to cause leukemia and other blood disorders. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5129278/
‘IARC classifies benzene as “carcinogenic to humans,” based on sufficient evidence that it causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML). IARC also notes that benzene exposure has been linked with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Feb 1, 2023’
https://amp.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/benzene.html
Benzene and many other chemicals in aircraft oil are also endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can also cause mitochondrial dysfunction.
It transpires that Tri-cresyl phosphate can cause Breast Cancer cells migration as it is also an endocrine-disrupting chemical:
‘Conclusions: In the present study, three TCP isomers, ToCP, TmCP, and TpCP, showed antagonistic activities on ERα, and we demonstrated for the first time that they exerted estrogenic effects through GPER. They promoted MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cell migration via GPER. As a biological counterpart, ToCP and TpCP activated GPER-mediated cAMP production and calcium mobilization, whereas TmCP only triggered GPER-mediated calcium mobilization. In molecular docking, ToCP interacted differently with GPER....’ (source:)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749119370150?via%3Dihub
The following is a historical document from 2007 on water supply to help you fully understand the subject. Things have moved at a rapid speed since this was written:
‘EDCs are suspected to cause atypical changes in human and animals' normal developmental processes such as decreased fertility and hermaphroditic fish. These abnormal findings are all suspected to stem from increased hormone-like compounds in surface, drinking, and groundwater. Studies today are finding common substances such as pesticides, laundry detergents, pharmaceuticals, and plastics are the cause of these unwanted developments. These chemicals are now being linked to drastic abnormalities found in fish and other animals. Because our endocrine system is the target of these hormone-mimicking compounds, effects range from simple reproduction problems to fish and alligators morphing into the opposite sex. The endocrine system works by sending out hormones to various areas of the body, which then attach to receptors triggering the desired result. These hormones are in charge of growth, development, maturation, as well as the way various organs operate.’ ©Source:
https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water/potable-water-quality/article/16222946/endocrine-disrupting-compounds-edcs-reduction-with-sorbents
This document explains more:
https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/edcs
The following two documents were researched and written by a former farmer in the UK who was permanently disabled following exposure to organophosphate pesticides and who was told by a so-called ‘expert’ on the matter, who was employed by the U.K. Government, that his injuries were all in his mind - psychologically induced.
This one was written in 2015 with regard to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and their effects:
‘When hormone balance is disrupted a wide range of problems are induced including stunted or excessive growth, breast, prostate, and other cancers, Addison's disease, Diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, Hyperplasia (adrenogenital syndrome), Hypoglycemia, Thyroid Goiter, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroiditis, Thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, Osteoporosis, Paget's disease, Rickets, Pituitary tumors, Acromegaly, gigantism, Cushing's disease, sex development or intersex disorders such as Hermaphroditism, genetic and chromosomal disorders, Premature Menopause, Testicular failure, Delayed and Precocious puberty, fertility disorders, Amenorrhea, Polycystic ovary syndrome, and many other serious disorders including Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. All too many of these are rising in the population.’ ©Source:
http://www.oprus2001.co.uk/endocrine.htm And this document was originally written in 2008 and updated in 2019 on Mitochondria: Source © http://www.oprus2001.co.uk/mitochondria
It is time for the UK and other Governments, the Aviation Industry and the scientists in their employ as well as the medical experts who have been protecting and aiding both the Government and industry for decades in this cover-up to ensure their armrests are down, their tray tables are in the upright position and their seat belts are securely fastened as there will be heavy turbulence ahead.
We appeal to all pilots and cabin crew to demand a risk assessment from their employer via their workers’ unions on EDCs.
For* more in-depth information about the reasons, the many chemicals found in the aircraft interior, science, the health consequences, as well as many personal testimonies and flight reports by aircrew at: UNFILTERED https://www.unfiltered.vip/ regularly updated and maintained by Bee.Please support our PETITION, which is kept up to date by Trudie: https://www.change.org/p/stop-contaminated-cabin-air-in-aircraft/u/31736611?recently_edited=true
Wishing you always Happy Landings!
Bee
