A journalistic investigation has linked polluted air and toxic fumes inside commercial aircraft cabins to fatal conditions such as brain damage, heart attacks, and increased suicide rates among flight crew members.
The investigation, published on Monday, revealed that doctors and researchers have observed a connection between exposure to contaminated air inside cabins and deadly diseases, also presenting family stories and recounting several incidents.
The investigation found dozens of cases where flight crew members reported sudden neurological, cardiac, and psychological symptoms after exposure to fumes described as smelling like “dirty socks” or burnt oil.
Victims’ families stated that exposure to fumes resulting from hot engine oil or other fluids leaking into the air supply system caused injury or death to pilots and flight attendants who were previously in good health.
However, airlines have denied any direct causal link, asserting that cabin air is safe and meets health standards.
Families have filed several lawsuits against the companies, relying on autopsy reports, medical records, and mortality studies, arguing that toxic air was the cause of their relatives’ health deterioration.
One of the most notable cases is that of Ron Wieland, a 54-year-old American Airlines pilot described as physically fit and healthy before his decline. However, his wife noticed in 2016 that he was missing easy tennis shots and stuttering.
He soon became unable to make routine passenger announcements, abruptly ending his aviation career.
In 2017, Wieland was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neuron disease, and died less than two years later.
His family believes toxic cabin air was the trigger for his illness.
Airlines denied these claims but reached a settlement in the case in 2022 for an undisclosed amount.
The investigation presented the case of pilot James Underberg, who was exposed to fumes on an Airbus aircraft in 2015. After symptoms including vomiting, tremors, and diarrhea, he died from a heart attack 50 days after the fume exposure.
An autopsy revealed heart inflammation and elevated levels of painkillers; the medical examiner did not determine a cause of death.
A study cited in the investigation outlined a pattern of heart injury caused by chemicals found in burnt engine oil, and it was stated that this pattern closely matches the findings from Underberg’s autopsy.
The investigation also covered the death of 34-year-old British Airways flight attendant Matthew Bass. His family believes fumes contributed to his sudden death from heart disease.
The investigation also highlighted claims of a link between exposure to toxic air and suicide and depression.
One JetBlue pilot stated he noticed colleagues beginning to commit suicide during the same period that reports of toxic fume smells increased.
However, aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus affirm that their aircraft designs provide safe cabin air, and airlines reiterate that they do not operate aircraft that could pose a health risk to passengers or crew.
