Plan passengers and crew members sick from toxic vapors: Report

Toxic vapors leak in aircraft at an alarming rate, according to a new report of Wall Street Journal.

Since 2010, Federal aviation administration (FAA) has received thousands of “fume events” reports, where toxic vapors from jet engines leak out in the cockpit and cabin with commercial jet aircraft, per WSJ. Most modern aircraft use a design element called “Bleed Air”, which draws air through the engine on a plane. But when seals in the engines, designed to stop leaks, wear and degradation, oil seeps in and evaporates in the heat and releases toxic compounds on board.

The WSJ points to adoption and use of the Airbus’ A320s world’s best-selling aircraft-like UnitedThe Americanand Delta Air Lines Currently, as a contributing factor to the increase in smoking events. Among the three largest US airlines in 2024, the A320s reported seven times the speed of smoke events such as Boeings 737S, which does not use the “Bleed Air” design.

In the meantime, Jetblue and Spirit AirlinesAs primarily, the A320S works, saw a combined 660% strong force in frequency of smoke events between 2016 and 2024, according to the report.

The outlet conducted its investigation based on more than one million FAA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports, thousands of documents and more than 100 interviews.

Reports of “wet dog”, “cheetos” and “nail polish” reward smell have led to emergency landing and sick passengers and crew, according to WSJresults.

Although exposure to most of the emitted vapors-which consists of unknown amounts of neurotoxins, carbon monoxide and other chemicals-is not toxic, long-term exposure can lead to more serious problems.

The WSJ Talked to Robert Kaniecki, a neurologist who has treated dozens of pilots and over 100 air hosts in the last 20 years for brain damage related to smoke exposure. The doctor, who also acts as a consultant for Pittsburgh Steelers, compared the effects on the brain with a chemical concussion and found the effects “extremely similar” as those that NFL -Linebackers experienced after taking a big hit.

The report continued to claim that aircraft manufacturers and airlines have trivialized health risks, lobbied against the adoption of certain security measures and made harmful cost -saving changes.

“Airbus aircraft are designed and manufactured according to all relevant and applicable airworthiness requirements,” divided a spokesman for Airbus into a statement with people. “We are committed to continuously improving our products and working closely with operators and supervisory authorities to ensure the best possible cabin environment for passengers and crew.”

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At the same time, a spokesman for FAA pointed to its’The air quality of the cabin“Fact sheets that say” studies have shown that the cabin air is as good as or better than the air found in offices and homes. ”

It is added: “In rare cases, mechanical problems such as failure with an engine oil seal or recirculation fan can cause vapors to enter the cab. Airlines must report these incidents to FAA.”

2015 published FAA A Report It found that the speed of cabin quality events is less than 33 events per million aircraft departures. It is equal to about 330 smoke events on US Airlines last year. But WSJ’s The analysis found that the number is close to 108 events per million aircraft departures in 2024.