Memorandum by Ms Christine Standing MA
Science and Technology: Here you can browse the Written Evidence which were ordered by the House of Lords to be printed 14 November 2007: contents
FLYING IN THE FACE OF SCIENCE: HUMAN FACTORS CONSIDERATIONS IN THE CABIN ENVIRONMENT
Executive summary
Excerpt:
"Cabin Environment: physical health—pilot incapacitation"
The Committee asked, "To what extent has the aircraft cabin environment improved?" A brief timeline will illustrate whether research and protocols have improved the cabin environment.
1977: "A previously healthy member of an aircraft flight crew was acutely incapacitated during flight with neurologic impairment... The etiology of his symptoms was related to an inhalation exposure to aerosolised or vaporised synthetic lubricating oil arising from a jet engine of his aircraft."[120]
1999, February: Organophosphate lubricants were the focus of a question regarding "possible health hazards for air crews [66599].
Mr Doug Henderson, responded, "We ... have in place a number of preventative measures to prevent air and ground crews from being exposed to these hazards and also regularly review the health risks."[121]
2001 March: the cockpit of a British Aerospace 146 filled with toxic fumes. A sudden and unexpected Airworthiness Directive was issued. Close inspection of this reveals a vague reference to a previously unreported "recent crew incapacitation incident in the UK" details of which Private Eye established. It had taken this non-industry magazine to review the health risk and establish what the industry couldn't see.[122]
2001: Aerotoxic Syndrome Identified.[123] Symptoms identified in the short-term include:
2001: When pilots were taken to hospital post-flight, the CAA belatedly admitted what the industry and others already knew:
Read full Memorandum HERE
author©Christine Standing MA
18.07. 2007
published at:
Science and Technology: Here you can browse the Written Evidence which were ordered by the House of Lords to be printed 14 November 2007: contents
FLYING IN THE FACE OF SCIENCE: HUMAN FACTORS CONSIDERATIONS IN THE CABIN ENVIRONMENT
Executive summary
Excerpt:
"Cabin Environment: physical health—pilot incapacitation"
The Committee asked, "To what extent has the aircraft cabin environment improved?" A brief timeline will illustrate whether research and protocols have improved the cabin environment.
1977: "A previously healthy member of an aircraft flight crew was acutely incapacitated during flight with neurologic impairment... The etiology of his symptoms was related to an inhalation exposure to aerosolised or vaporised synthetic lubricating oil arising from a jet engine of his aircraft."[120]
1999, February: Organophosphate lubricants were the focus of a question regarding "possible health hazards for air crews [66599].
Mr Doug Henderson, responded, "We ... have in place a number of preventative measures to prevent air and ground crews from being exposed to these hazards and also regularly review the health risks."[121]
2001 March: the cockpit of a British Aerospace 146 filled with toxic fumes. A sudden and unexpected Airworthiness Directive was issued. Close inspection of this reveals a vague reference to a previously unreported "recent crew incapacitation incident in the UK" details of which Private Eye established. It had taken this non-industry magazine to review the health risk and establish what the industry couldn't see.[122]
2001: Aerotoxic Syndrome Identified.[123] Symptoms identified in the short-term include:
- neurotoxic symptoms: loss of consciousness, blurred or tunnel vision, nystagmus, disorientation, shaking and tremors, loss
- of balance and vertigo, seizures, parathesias;
- neuropsychological symptoms: memory impairment, headache, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion and feeling
- gastro-intestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting;
- respiratory symptoms: cough, breathing difficulties (shortness of breath), tightness in chest, respiratory failure requiring oxygen;
- cardiovascular symptoms: increased heart rate and palpitations;
- irritation of eyes, nose and upper airways.[124]
2001: When pilots were taken to hospital post-flight, the CAA belatedly admitted what the industry and others already knew:
- Pilot incapacitation exists;
- Fumes pose a danger to both passengers and crew. (©source)
Read full Memorandum HERE
author©Christine Standing MA
18.07. 2007
published at:
