AOPIS - Cluster of Symptoms

Aerotoxic Syndrome: A Descriptive Epidemiological Survey of Aircrew Exposed to In-Cabin Airborne ContaminantsФ, C.Winder, P. Fonteyn, J.C. Balouet. Journal of Occupational Health & Safety, Australia & New Zealand, Vol 18, Number 4 ,August 2002

Firstly, the hydraulics and lubricants used in the aviation industry containing a number of irritating and toxic ingredients and can be toxic.

Secondly, this study has shown exposure to such contaminants, if they get into airplane cabin air, can produce symptoms of toxicity.

Thirdly, the symptom clusters in aerotoxic syndrome can be described.

These are:

m Symptoms of dysfunction in neurological function immediately after intense exposures, including loss of positional awareness, vertigo and loss of consciousness.а These are a significant aviation safety problem if they occur in a pilot.

m Symptoms of skin, eyes, nose and respiratory irritation immediately after exposure.а Further exposures exacerbate the symptoms, often spreading them to other respiratory and cardiovascular effects.

m Symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort immediately after exposure.а While these recede with cessation of exposure, there is a suggestion that nausea and diarrhoea can persist.

m Some symptoms of impairment of neuropsychological function such as headache, dizziness, disorientation and intoxication immediately after exposure.а These symptoms become more debilitating after time, with problems of loss of cognitive function and memory problems emerging.

m General symptoms of exhaustion progress to chronic fatigue.а It was common in respondents that they spent layovers, weekends and holidays sleeping for days to overcome the symptoms of exhaustion.а

m General symptoms of immune suppression developing some time after exposure, including food and alcohol intolerances, allergies and chemical sensitivity.а These worsen with continuing exposure and may worsen after exposure ceases.

General

In a US NTSB 1983 study of problems of turbine oil by-product contamination, a statement appears which says:

Уthere are certain instances in which chronic or repeated exposure may sensitize a person to certain chemicals so that later concentrations in the ppb range may later elicit an acute hypersensitivity type reaction.У

УReport of the National Transportation Safety Board, Bureau of Technology: Group Chairman's Report of Special Investigation: Special Investigation - An Evaluation of the Potential for Turbine Oil By-Product Contamination of an Aircraft's Cabin Environmental System by Edward P Wizniak а- TESI 21 81 04аа 25/04/83