US EditionToxic Fumes Leaking into Airplane Cabins Sicken Crews and Passengers
Incidents of toxic fumes from engine oil leaks in aircraft cabins have risen sharply, with over 400 reported in the U.S. since 2018, causing neurological harm to crew and passengers.
- In recent years, The Wall Street Journal's investigation found over 400 reported fume events on commercial jets, including a Delta Air Lines flight forced back to Atlanta.
- Technical records reveal bleed air systems can leak tricresyl phosphate ; Airbus and Boeing acknowledged vaporized fluids enter unfiltered.
- Doctors have documented chemical-induced nervous system injury after incidents like a flight attendant’s report of fumes and a pilot’s collapse, highlighting health risks among affected crews.
- Despite industry and regulator statements, the FAA maintains such tainted-air incidents are 'rare,' as unions press for independent probes and Delta reports over 80 percent completion in replacing auxiliary power units on its A320s.
- Design changes like Airbus Project Fresh could cut cabin odor events by 85% starting in 2026, while a shift toward bleed-free aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may accelerate due to contamination concerns.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Toxic jet engine fumes sickening crews, passengers: Report
(The Hill) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received thousands of reports since 2010 about toxic fumes from jet engines leaking into the cockpit and cabin of airplanes, according to an investigation done by The Wall Street Journal. The leaks are due to a commonly used airplane design known as “bleed air” that pulls air from the engine into airplanes so those onboard can breathe. The increase in reports is largely driven by Airbu…
Commercial Airplanes Are Dosing Passengers With Neurotoxic Gases
An increasing number of commercial airline passengers and flight attendants are being exposed to dangerous fumes while in the air, at times resulting in traumatic brain injuries that closely resemble the deadly concussions experienced by professional football players. As the Wall Street Journal reports, fume incidents have led to emergency landings and sickened passengers being taken to hospitals. Even airline pilots have reported affected react…
How toxic fumes aboard planes are giving pilots and passengers brain, nerve injuries
A Wall Street Journal investigation has found that dozens of pilots, flight attendants and passengers have developed brain and nerve injuries strikingly similar to those seen in battered football players, after being exposed to toxic fumes leaking into aircraft cockpits and cabins. While regulators and manufacturers continue to downplay the threat, the growing number of medical cases tells a different story
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