Toxic Fumes On Board A Plane
Toxic Fumes On Board A Plane
The crew fell ill - and it is not the first time this happens
According to the article published on October 8th, 2023 by Metro News a spokesman for the London Fire Brigade responding to the emergency said that (sic) “unknown fumes were reported in the aircraft, adding: ‘The chemical team did a sweep of plane and found no elevated readings.” and (sic) ‘It is unclear whether there are any injuries at this stage, but certainly not significantly.’
So, interesting, they found no “elevated” readings, which really means they had readings but most likely within the usual “Threshold Limit Values” - which usually means everything is just fine to them. Another question that needs answering is: which chemicals did they test for? Or was it even only a test measuring carbon monoxide (CO)? Because: you don’t find what you are not looking for!
Whatever it was and whatever level they detected: Chemical hazards and toxic substances pose a wide range of health hazards, such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity, and physical hazards, such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility. (OSHA)
”… no one is believed to have been significantly hurt in the incident, services said.” (sic Metro).
But the crew fell ill. No one falls ill or feels ill with symptoms for no reason.
Downplaying such incidences has been a really bad habit for decades now, be it within the press, or the airlines or aircraft manufacturers. All of them always ignore that chemical substances with equivalent TLVs® (i.e., the same numerical values) cannot be assumed to have similar toxicologic effects or similar biological potency.
The ACGIH® (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) recognizes that there is a considerable variation in the level of biological response to any particular chemical substance, regardless of the airborne concentration. Indeed, TLVs® (Threshold Limit Values) do not represent a fine line between a healthy versus an unhealthy work environment or the point at which material impairment of health will occur. TLVs® will not adequately protect all workers. Some individuals may experience discomfort or even more serious adverse health effects when exposed to a chemical substance at the TLV® or even at concentrations below the TLV®. (Source)
Age, gender, genetic factors (predisposition), lifestyle decisions (e.g., diet, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse), medications, and pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., aggravated asthma or cardiovascular disease) are just a few of the causes for increased susceptibility to a chemical substance. Some people (including sensitized employees) may become more sensitive to one or more chemicals as a result of prior exposures. Throughout a person's reproductive history, their susceptibility to the impacts of chemicals may change. When there is a higher strain on the cardiopulmonary system and lungs i.e. during exercise or different work levels some changes in susceptibility may also take place. Furthermore, fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity could change how someone reacts. Also, some may be on medications or may have had (mandatory?) vaccinations or similar, even toxic substances, which can change the body’s capability to deal with more foreign and often poisonous chemical substances/mixtures substantially.
Saying that “no one is believed to have been significantly hurt” is quite irresponsible and would certainly show some lack of education - but let’s “forgive them” who say such things, because they clearly do not know any better. It is not possible to determine from one look and some measurements (that may be incorrect anyway since doors had already been opened.)
How are thresholds for regulated toxic substances in mixtures determined?
”Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) refer to airborne concentrations of chemical substances and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, over a working lifetime, without adverse health effects.” ( ©Source)
Just an example - (bear in mind that there can be traces from over 300 substances in the fumes/smoke in “fume events”, as such cases are known by within the airline industry (cabin air contamination events CAC).
Ammonia or also Formaldehyde are regulated substances under 40 CFR 68.130 with the qualifier "(solution)." When determining whether a threshold amount of this substance exists in a process, should a person consider the weight of the entire solution or the amount of formaldehyde in the solution? How are thresholds for other regulated toxic substances in mixtures determined?
The owner or operator of a stationary source need only consider the weight of the formaldehyde in the solution; not the entire weight of the mixture. This is the case for all listed toxic substances, including those with concentration qualifiers (i.e., "conc 80% or greater"). (©Source )
Again: “NO ELEVATED LEVELS” does not mean “NO LEVELS” and it certainly does not mean “ALL SAFE” - it means that determined by the powers that be, human beings of any age, size, weight, race, or gender can deal with a “little bit” of toxic chemicals in any form. The amount (TVL®) is determined by “calculations” - there is no consideration of differences or predispositions and additional health hazards anyone could have been exposed to. Inhaling toxic fumes is particularly dangerous, the fumes (including nanoparticles)spread throughout the lungs straight into the blood system from where they can cross the blood-brain barrier causing nervous system reactions - sometimes within seconds.
No harm done?
More information on the subject at UNFILTERED where you can find medical information and laboratory protocols, documentaries and videos, testimonies, books, court cases, and general information about the causes of fume events and the health consequences known as AEROTOXIC SYNDROME so many have already suffered from. On this website, you can also find other websites in the U.K., France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the USA and the running petition with over 131,000 signatures to date - Please sign and share it - it could also be you and your health! Many reported cases can be found at The Aviation Herald.
