A British newspaper, The Guardian published an article, "'Zombie Gas' plane threat" almost ten years ago reporting problems of cabin air contamination by engine oil. They highlighted a now well-known incident of a BAe 146 aircraft where toxic smoke entered the cabin. The passengers all fell asleep, the cabin crew and both pilots rapidly became ill and the captain said that if he had been a few seconds later putting on his oxygen mask, he may not have been able to keep control of the aircraft.

There have been many other "fume event" incidents reported, mostly involving the BAe 146 or Boeing 757 aircraft, and crews have all reported similar symptoms. Some aircrew as well as passengers have suffered long-term health problems. In the Testimonies section are just some of the ones that have been brought to the attention of the Aerotoxic Association.

Since the 1999 article, government research has been undertaken to investigate the problem, but still nothing has been concluded. The latest study from the British Department for Transport (DfT) is looking at capturing samples of cabin air to determine its composition. All their previous projects have taken an eternity and have never concluded anything of note at the end of it. This latest one seems to be going the same way, and unfortunately the DfT have refused to acknowledge the vast amounts independent data and testimonies that have been produced indicating a serious health problem.

In the last ten years there has been some increase in awareness of the problem, but while apathy or ignorance by the majority of passengers and crew continue, and while the airlines and regulating authorities keep telling us there is no "evidence" of a problem, it may be a few more years before the problem is admitted and something is done about it.

There are solutions already available; contaminated air detection systems, activated carbon bleed-air filters and a TCP-free engine oil. Just no will to implement them.