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4 February 1999 : Column 737
Organophosphate Lubricants
Mr. Tyler: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what organophosphate lubricants are used in the engines of military (a) fixed winged aircraft and (b) helicopters; and if he will make a statement on possible health hazards for air crews.[66599]

Mr. Doug Henderson [holding answer 19 January 1999] : The organic phosphate compound, tricresylphosphate, is present in all lubricants used regularily in military aircraft engines, to enable the lubricant to withstand the load placed on it and to prevent engine seizure. No viable alternative is available at present.

The inhalation of mist (containing tricresylphosphate) which can be produced by high pressure systems, or direct contact with the skin, would be hazardous. We therefore have in place a number of preventative measures to prevent air and ground crews from being exposed to these hazards and also regularily review the health risks.
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A family holiday ruined

"When we boarded the aircraft we were all in excellent health. During the flight, my husband and I started feeling very light headed. We had head pain and felt very fatigued.
 
I could not control my bowels and was continuously in the lavatory...
 
About 48 hours after we arrived, we all developed severe flu like symptoms.
It got so bad that we had to seek medical attention and went to the emergency room at a Florida hospital ....
 
This has proven to be a great battle of red tape and ignorance. It has been an extreme mission and has demanded so much of me at a time when I am at my weakest.
 
 
To any passengers out there who have suffered ill health like this during and after flying, report it to the airline, the public health organizations, and anybody who will listen"

read the full story
The Travel journalist..
 
I stumbled onto your site while attempting to find information on what has happed to me.  I inhaled fumes in the cabin while awaiting a gate for a prolonged period .. I was very sick upon leaving the plane and it escalated until I was hospitalized two weeks ago.  Now ..  I have a serious lung problem and fatigue that makes even doing the dishes difficult. ....  

The 'irony' in this is I write a travel column and this is not what my readers want to hear!"

click here and read the full story