The Committee on Toxicity meets to discuss ill-health in aircraft crews and its possible relationship to cabin air quality. The British Airline Pilots Association has submitted a report on organophosphates and ill-health in aircraft crews, including the findings of a study conducted by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Sarah Mackenzie Ross from University College London, who was present at the meeting.

The report suggests that airline pilots have suffered "alarming" cognitive failures after prolonged exposure to polluted cabin air. All of the 27 pilots in the study reported chronic health problems including memory loss and difficulty in retrieving words.

Some pilots in the study reported mixing up or being unable to retain vital numerical data about altitude, speed and direction provided by air traffic control. Some were completing tasks in the wrong sequence, setting incorrect levels for climbing or descending and taking off with the wrong flap settings.

Other pilots questioned in the clinical study reported that they had been unable to respond to instructions from air traffic control and had been unable to recall vital things like whether the aircraft's undercarriage had been raised or lowered.

The study also found high levels of a range of volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene in the blood and body fat of the pilots. Although the study had no control group, Dr Mackenzie Ross said that the levels of toxic chemicals are higher than population averages.

(Reference Private Eye No 1162)
Also see Observer article 26 Feb 2006 Revealed: toxic gas threat to air safety