Then ...

In April 2005, BALPA, the UK’s largest union representing airline pilots held the “Air Safety and Cabin Air Quality” conference over two days in London. As a result a 320 page report was produced, detailing the problem, and a comprehensive list of things that need to be done to fix the problem.

This is a quote from their report:

“Is there a problem?”

“The answer is quite clear – Yes. Story after story, study after study, testimony after testimony from across the world and from other industries with similar exposures, show that chemicals exposures of the type experienced by workers in the aviation industry cause health problems.”

General Secretary Jim McAuslan was also quite clear that there is a problem

And just in case anyone was in any doubt, they prepared a statement which many eminent doctors and researchers in the fields of toxicology and neurology were happy to sign:

BALPA Contaminated Air Conference closing statement

Now ...

So four years on what is happening? BALPA have now become very quiet about the issue and even dropped the small amount of wishy-washy information they had on the subject from their website. This statement at the end of this laughable Powerpoint document Guidance for doctors of aircrew exposed to fumes in an aircraft sums up their current position:

"There is no evidence at present for a link to long term health effects but research concerning fume events continues."

So is there a problem or isn't there? Why this about turn?

Instead of sitting back and letting the British government conduct its painfully slow and highly dubious series of studies that never manage to come up with anything, BALPA should be actively fighting for change – like they used to. Their members’ health and the travelling public’s health are at stake.

And what of the “to do” list? Well, none of the items have been addressed.

BALPA Air Safety and Cabin Air Quality Conference Report

Letter from John Maples MP to Jim McAuslan about contaminated cabin air

December 2009 update

The Aerotoxic Association and BALPA have been exchanging letters and we note our concern and disappointment that the union is failing in its responsibility to its members on several fronts:

• They are failing to warn of the dangers of contaminated air and symptoms of exposure.
• They are failing to offer medical information and advice.
• They have not informed members of the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) request for data on contaminated air.

Letter to BALPA 30.11.09  Request to inform members about EASA survey.

Letter from BALPA 14.12.09  EASA link on website. No space to publish articles on cabin air quality.

 Letter to BALPA 16.12.09  EASA survey link well hidden. Reiterate request and suggest sending emails.

In contrast, the Independent Pilots Association is to be applauded for informing their members about contaminated cabin air and encouraging them to complete the EASA survey.

IPA article about EASA and cabin air quality

21 April 2010

BALPA and Cabin Air Quality - Five years on